At the Olympia Arts Commission meeting on Thursday, Aug. 8, Armory Building Manager Valerie Roberts announced the city will soon open a public process to rename the historic Olympia Armory.
Built in 1939, Roberts said the building had been the site of community gatherings and events for over 80 years. "We are moving towards turning Olympia Armory into a community arts center that will be a catalyst for creativity and foster community bonds."
When the city acquired the property, which used to be home to the Washington State National Guard, it was given a temporary name based on the street that it is tied to. But now the city is seeking a more formal, permanent name for the facility.
At the Olympia Arts Commission meeting on Aug. 8, 2024, Armory Building Manager Valerie Roberts discussed the upcoming public process to rename the historic Olympia Armory.
JOLT STAFF PHOTO VIA ZOOM
Referring to the Olympia Municipal Code 12.62.050, Roberts said the city has a specific process it must follow to rename parks and public facilities. A consideration is given in naming the building:
"Although the renaming process will involve a portion where people can suggest any names that they want to, names that fit under these seven topics will be prioritized," Roberts explained.
Beginning in September, the city will open a public comment through Engage Olympia, allowing anyone to submit name suggestions and provide a brief explanation for their proposal. People will have four weeks to comment.
After collating and organizing all data, Roberts will present the information to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC), which will then host a public hearing to provide the public with one more opportunity to comment on the name recommendations.
After reviewing all of the input, the PRAC will make a recommendation for the Olympia Parks, Arts, and Recreation Department to present to the city council.
The recommendation will be brought to the city council for consideration between November and December.
"I'd highly encourage you all, as well to encourage anybody, to participate in this process because we want to make sure that we're getting as much feedback as we can from people on what kind of name they would like to see the Olympia Art Center have," Roberts said.
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JackHorton
I think it should be named AMOR, ot some variant.
Leave off the R and the Y, and you get AMOR
Perhaps the full name could be
Amor Creative Campus.
Use the existing sign, using bright colors for the letters AMOR, but a subdued background color for the first R and the Y.
Add the words "Creative Campus" underneath.
Tuesday, August 13, 2024 Report this
johnsfoster
I'm lobbying for the Olympia Artery
Tuesday, August 13, 2024 Report this
Kdeviny
Olympia Arts Center
Grammar check: I don’t think the center administrator wants to be described as “built in 1939.”
One more thing: The ad from OBee Credit Union is not a good look heading up today’s stories.
Tuesday, August 13, 2024 Report this