Title
Approval for Information Gathering and Analysis Related to Possible Acquisition of the Olympia Armory
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to direct City staff to move forward with information and analysis to inform future discussion about acquisition of the Armory at 515 Eastside Street SE.
Report
Issue:
To share with Council the information gathered to date and seek approval to continue to gather information to support Council in considering an option to purchase or otherwise acquire the Armory.
Staff Contact:
Keith Stahley, Assistant City Manager, 360.753.8227
Presenter(s):
Angel Nava, Arts Program Specialist, Parks, Arts & Recreation
Background and Analysis:
An iconic Olympia landmark will soon be on the market. After occupying the Armory building at 515 Eastside St SE for 77 years, the National Guard will relocate to a new facility in February 2021. They leave behind a 50,000 square foot complex sited on a full city block. The main building, designed by the prolific Olympia architect Joseph Wohleb, is a strong example of Art Moderne design.
The disposal of the building will be managed by the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES) following the State Surplus Property process under RCW 43.17.400: Disposition of state-owned land - Notice to governmental entities - Right of first refusal. This statute gives priority to interested governmental agencies and says that the selling agency must give 60 days' notice before offering the building to the private market. The statute has an additional provision giving highest priority to an interested governmental agency that plans to use the property for low income housing or for facilities that support the goals of affordable housing, in related RCW 39.33.015: Transfer, lease, disposal of public property for affordable housing as a "continuing public benefit." In either case, the interested governmental buyer mus...
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