Title
Artesian Market Discussion
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Discuss the initiation of an effort to activate City owned property by seeking an operator for an entrepreneur, craft, or night market at the property commonly known as the Artesian Commons.
Report
Issue:
Whether to discuss the initiation of an effort to activate City owned property by seeking an operator for an entrepreneur, craft, or night market at the property commonly known as the Artesian Commons.
Staff Contact:
Mike Reid, Economic Development Director 360.753.8591
Daisha Versaw, Sr. Program Specialist, Economic Development 360.280.8947
Presenter(s):
Mike Reid, Economic Development Director
Daisha Versaw, Sr. Program Specialist, Economic Development
Background and Analysis:
In May 2014, the City of Olympia opened the Artesian Commons with the intention of creating an urban park-like amenity in the downtown core. Multiple efforts were made by the Parks Department, stakeholders, and partner organizations to make the park a successful and welcoming space but ultimately due numerous concerns the park was closed 2018. The property has remained closed to the public since this time.
In 2019, the City of Olympia received a Creative District designation from the Washington State Arts Commission identifying a substantial portion of downtown as a location that has a significant value to support the creative economy and continue to grow as an ideal location for emerging, innovative businesses and arts-based entrepreneurs to locate and thrive. In 2023, as part of this effort a Creative District Strategic Plan was developed with significant engagement with stakeholders in the creative economy landscape. This plan identified the following Vision Statement for the district: The Olympia Creative District features rich and diverse artistic and sensory experiences, engaging community members to develop creative endeavors.
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