Title
Hands on Children’s Museum Expansion, 414 Jefferson St NE, 26-1459
Report
Project Information:
This narrative references Olympia Shoreline Master Program Narrative from 8/14/2025. It
addresses 4 themes:
• Water Enjoyment - how the project celebrates and engages with the water
• Public Access & Design - how visitors experience the shoreline visually/physically
• Environmental Protection & Stormwater - how impacts are mitigated
• Shoreline Master Program Consistency
The Hands On Children’s Museum expansion is consistent with the City of Olympia Shoreline Master Program as a public-serving water-enjoyment use that enhances visual access to the shoreline environment of Budd Inlet while supporting environmental protection of adjacent marine resources. The project builds on the museum’s existing maritime and marine ecology programming by strengthening the visual and educational connection between visitors and the Puget Sound environment. Architectural design elements, including a pedestrian “pier” connection between the existing and proposed buildings and interior spaces oriented toward the water, reinforce this relationship while maintaining responsible stormwater management and landscape strategies that protect shoreline water quality.
Applicant:
Crystal Loya, 1201 Alaskan Way #200, Seattle WA 981011
Staff Contact:
Paula Smith, Associate Planner, 360.753.8596