Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing an Application for a Heritage Capital Projects 2027-2029 Grant for the Olympia Armory Building
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve an application for the Heritage Capital Projects grant for the Armory.
Report
Issue:
Whether to apply for a Heritage Capital Projects grant, which would require a grant match of up to $2 million. This grant is administered by the Washington State Historical Society, to support facilities that provide public access to history.
Staff Contact:
Valerie Roberts, Armory Building Manager, Parks, Arts & Recreation, 360.753.8468
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
The Olympia Armory was transferred by the Washington State Legislature to the City of Olympia, "for use as a community asset dedicated to using the arts to support community development, arts education, and economic development initiatives.” The building itself is an Olympia landmark, designed by noted Olympia architect Joseph Wohleb, completed in 1938.
Heritage Capital Projects are a two to one matching grant, for requests between $10,000 and $1,000,000. The City of Olympia has received $1,000,000 from this grant for the 2023-2025 biennium and an additional $500,000 in the 2025-2027 biennium for design work in preparation for major systems renewal and beginning to address critical code and life safety improvements to the Olympia Armory building.
If approved, the Parks, Arts and Recreation Department (OPARD) intends to apply for funds to address essential HVAC upgrades. This would allow the City to retire the old boiler system within the Olympia Armory and replace it with a state-of-the-art VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) HVAC system. This system will increase the energy efficiency of the building as well as make the Armory a more comfortable place for all future program participants and tenants. The largest possible match required of the City would be $2 million, which has already been committed by the City for Phase 1 renovations.
Grant deadline is June 5, 2026, for a full proposal. OPARD staff will be working with the construction and design contractor, Ameresco, to complete application materials.
Climate Analysis:
The City is partnering with the Department of Enterprise Services (DES) Energy Savings Program and its contractor, Ameresco, to ensure all Armory improvements are evaluated through an energy conservation lens. While increased occupancy may raise overall energy use, the project will improve efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions over time. Key upgrades, including a variable refrigerant flow (VRF) HVAC system, represent a significant advancement in building performance. The project also includes installation of on-site solar, further reducing long-term emissions and supporting the City’s climate goals.
Equity Analysis:
Upgrades to the Olympia Armory, particularly improvements to the HVAC system, are foundational to making the facility safe, functional, and accessible for community use. The project also advances equity through its implementation. Ameresco has a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including the use of local subcontractors and firms owned by women- and minority-owned businesses.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
A community arts center has been identified in multiple planning documents as a community priority. The Olympia Armory project has generated strong public interest, with community members actively engaged in shaping its vision as a future arts center. In 2021, the Armory was added to the City’s Heritage Register with support from the Eastside Neighborhood Association, reflecting its historical significance and neighborhood support.
Financial Impact:
The City has committed to Phase 1 renovations for the Armory which will exceed the $2 million that serves as the required match for this grant, from the Parks Capital Fund.
Options:
1. Approve a resolution authorizing application for up to $1 million from the 2027-2029 Heritage Capital Projects Grant for the Olympia Armory, with a required City match of up to $2 million which is already allocated. This option maximizes available grant funding and advances critical HVAC and building improvements on the current timeline.
2. Approve a resolution authorizing application for a reduced grant amount. This option would reduce the scope or timing of needed improvements and limit the ability to fully leverage available grant funds.
3. Do not approve the resolution. This option would forgo external funding and delay HVAC and related improvements until an alternative funding source is identified, potentially increasing future project costs and extending the timeline for community use.
Attachments:
Resolution
Heritage Capital Projects Grant Webpage