Market Shaping News in 2010

There are a number of projects to keep an eye on in 2010. This year, downtown Olympia will see real progress at the port property. Last year, work began in earnest on platting the acreage on East Bay. Infrastructure is being put in place to support a mixed use development on 13.3 acres.

Anchored by a new Hands On Children’s Museum, which will start construction mid-year, the plans for the port property include a hotel, shops, office space and residential condos. Other communities that have sited at Children’s Museum in downtown have watched a huge positive transformation take place.

Also, LOTT will be completing its new administration building on the adjacent property. This LEED certified building will also feature a cogeneration plant that will convert methane gas to power to heat and cool the building and the neighboring Hands On Museum. LOTT is also planning a fantastic interpretive center to showcase the process of making Class A reclaimed water. The combination of that facility and the Children’s Museum will be a huge draw for tourism, which will in turn be a huge shot in the arm for downtown Olympia.

At the south end of the County, keep an eye on Grand Mound. The tremendous success of the Great Wolf Lodge will propel the need for additional services in that area. The Planning Commission is already working on zoning changes to ensure smart land use decisions and growth in that region.