Olympia Heritage Commission Meeting - June 26, 2026

The Olympia Heritage Commission met on June 26, 2026, at 1:30 PM PDT via video conference. The meeting included presentations on sea level rise, the Nisqually Delta, and a proposed adaptive reuse of the historic KGY radio station. Commissioners also discussed committee reports, a CLG grant application, and plans for community outreach events.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the agenda by consensus.
• Approved the minutes from the May meeting by consensus.

Presentations

Sea Level Rise and Cultural Assets

• Allie Weiss (Climate Resilience Coordinator, City of Olympia) presented on the city's sea level rise adaptation efforts. She noted that Olympia has one of the largest tidal ranges in the continental US and that downtown assets (including the treatment plant serving 130,000 people, transportation routes, and historic properties) are at risk. The city expects 12 inches of sea level rise by 2050 and 3–5.5 feet by 2100. Adaptation strategies include backflow prevention on stormwater outfalls, operational readiness, and a linked system of flood walls and raised streets. The city's Sea Level Rise Response Plan (2019) was the longest-range plan adopted, and the new Capital Lake estuary restoration will incorporate sea level rise projections. Allie Weiss emphasized that the cost of adaptation is far less than the cost of inaction, and that wholesale retreat is considered unpragmatic. (Note: The chair referred to the presenter as "Natalie" during the meeting, but the presenter introduced herself as Allie Weiss.)

Saving the Nisqually Delta and Squalache Creek

• Janine Gates, author and community journalist, presented on the history and threats to the Nisqually Delta and Squalache Creek in DuPont. She described the area's significance as a year-round tribal village, a Hudson's Bay Company fort, and a site of Buffalo Soldier maneuvers. She highlighted the recent approval of a warehouse development 100 feet from Squalache Creek, which was approved by a hearing examiner in December 2024. The creek lost protection under the Shoreline Management Act in 1994. Approximately 300 healthy trees, including landmark trees, have been logged. She urged the commission to visit the area and to support preservation efforts.

Adaptive Reuse of the KGY Radio Station

• Nora, a Master of Architecture student at the University of Washington, presented a proposal to preserve and adaptively reuse the historic KGY radio station building. The building, designed by Robert H. Willum (who also designed Olympia City Hall), sits on pilings over tidal mudflats and has high architectural integrity. The proposed reuse as a Port of Olympia History Cafe would include three exhibition areas: Coastal Salish and Tidal Life, Industrial Port and Extraction, and the Present Port (using the exterior landscape). The design retains the original orange color scheme and wood bridge. Nora discussed preservation of timber pilings, either by strengthening or replacing them. The Port of Olympia expressed interest but cited cost concerns.

Discussion Items

CLG Grant Application Update

• Commissioner Kyle reported on the draft application for a Certified Local Government (CLG) grant to conduct a reconnaissance survey of the South Capitol neighborhood. The estimated cost for the full survey is $100,000–$200,000, far exceeding the likely grant amount (~$15,000). Alternative options include expanding the period of significance of the National Register survey to capture mid-century modern properties. Further consultation with DAP staff is needed.

Outreach Committee (MORE) Report

• Commissioner Melissa reported on plans for a heritage-themed trivia night, potentially at Three Magnets Brewing, in the week before the South Sound Block Party (August 24, 2026). The event would feature Olympia history questions and prizes, including South Sound Block Party tickets. The committee also discussed creating a one-page explainer about the significance of heritage registry listing.

Harbor Days and Sandman Tugboat

• The commission discussed upcoming public hearings for the Sandman tugboat and potential participation in Harbor Days (September 4-6, 2026). A subcommittee was formed to explore collaboration with the Olympic Maritime Association, possibly hosting a table with a children's craft activity (e.g., paper boat hats). Commissioner Steven volunteered to serve on a review committee for the Sandman artifact inventory.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to endorse Nora's adaptive reuse plan for KGY radio station: Carried unanimously. The commission will draft a memo to the Port of Olympia expressing support for the proposal.
• Motion to create a subcommittee for Harbor Days/Sandman outreach: Carried unanimously. The subcommittee will coordinate with the Olympic Maritime Association for a commission presence at Harbor Days.
• Commissioner Steven volunteered to serve on the Sandman artifact inventory review committee.
• The MORE committee will continue planning the trivia night and seek volunteers for event logistics.
• The CLG grant application remains under review, pending further guidance from DAP staff.