Title
Approval of a Resolution Endorsing the Nomination of the Olympia Armory to be included in the National Register of Historic Places
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Heritage Commission recommends endorsing the nomination of the Olympia Armory to be included in the National Reister of Historic Places.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the Resolution endorsing the nomination of the Olympia Armory to be included in the National Register of Historic Places.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve of a resolution endorsing the nomination of the Olympia Armory to be included in the National Register of Historic Places
Staff Contact:
Brittany Gillia, Historic Preservation Officer, Community Planning & Development, 360.753.8427
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
An application nominating the Olympia Armory to be included on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) was submitted to Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation in June 2024. This property was listed locally on the Olympia Heritage Register on May 4, 2021 as seen on City Council Agenda Item File Number 21-0391.
The Olympia Armory is eligible for the national register under criteria A and C for its architectural style and integrity, as well as for its association with important events that have contributed significantly to the broad patterns of Olympia and national history. Built in 1939, the Armory is part of a long history of Army National Guard and Militia presence in Olympia from the earliest days of Washington Territory. It played an important role in Washington State and US costal defense systems as well as other operations during WWII.
Alongside its military history, the Armory has been important to Olympia's community history as a familiar, well-used venue and community gathering space. It has hosted everything from auto shows and ski swaps, to graduations and State Inaugural Balls.
The Olympia Armory is also signifi...
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