Title
Isthmus Update and Schedule
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Evaluate and discuss options for long-term planning, continued blight removal, and proposed interim improvements on the Isthmus.
Report
Issue:
Whether City staff should maintain the current work plan schedule of scoping the Isthmus Master Plan in 2017, and then begin that public process in 2018. Other items for consideration, is whether the staff should move forward with short-term improvements in 2017 to improve the appearance of the City-owned Isthmus properties while the long-term vision is being developed and eventually realized.
Staff Contact:
Paul Simmons, Director, Parks, Arts and Recreation Department, 360.753.8462
Keith Stahley, Director, Community Planning and Development, 360.753.8227
Presenter(s):
Paul Simmons, Director, Parks, Arts and Recreation Department,
Keith Stahley, Director, Community Planning and Development,
Background and Analysis:
The City of Olympia has a long history of making investments on the Isthmus. This effort dates back to the early 1990's when the City purchased the former Elk's Building and Capital Marine Building. Acquiring those properties allowed for the development of the Heritage Fountain, which was dedicated on May 10, 1996. The City also acquired properties adjacent to the Heritage Fountain: the former GHB Building in 1995, followed by the Little Da Nang Building in 2008.
In 2013, the City made another substantial investment by acquiring an additional 2.3 acres located on the west side of the Isthmus. Since that time, the City has successfully demolished four blighted buildings located on the Isthmus: the former Housing Authority Building, County Health Building, GHB Building, and Little Da Nang Building. Collectively, over the last thirty years the City has invested over $5 million in acquisition, demolition, and development of the City-owned Isthmus properties. This ...
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