Thursday, October 1, 2026
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The Olympia Site Plan Review Committee reaffirmed its 2023 assessment of the proposed adaptive reuse of the former Carnegie Library during a pre-submission conference on Wednesday, Sept. 3
It was the second time the project, which proposes transforming the structure into a whisky library, had undergone committee review — the first time was in 2023. The committee members found no major changes, but noted several minor requirements.
The Carnegie Library, built in 1914, was designed by architect Joseph Wohleb. Originally known as the Olympia Public Library, the building is listed on local, state and national historic registries.
Located at 620 Franklin St. SE, the Carnegie Whisky Library project aims to transform the historic building into a public whiskey library. The two-story facility would feature whiskey lounges and bars throughout the building.
The lower level would feature accessible entries, a conference room and member-only lounge areas, while the upper floor would be open to all guests.
The scope of work includes restoring original wainscoting, wallpaper, furniture, as well as a contemporary upper-level addition with an outdoor terrace, elevator, accessible restrooms and interior exit stair. The additions would be located on the north side of the building, above a 1950 annex, and would contrast with the original 1914 architecture.
Two outdoor dining options are proposed:
City of Olympia Planner Paula Smith, said the project is subject to joint review by the Design Review Board and Heritage Commission. Compliance items identified include bicycle parking requirements, landscaping updates and stormwater controls.
City of Olympia Engineering Plan Examiner Zulaika Kim brought up the need for an 8-inch water main extension to support fire protection, verification of existing sewer laterals, and standard commercial backflow and pressure controls.
Kim’s review concluded the project would not trigger any required frontage improvements.
The only transportation-related requirement involves replacing or repairing damaged sidewalks along the frontages of 7th Avenue and Franklin Street.
Ron Thomas of Thomas Architecture Studios asked the city to account for the property’s past use as a restaurant and church when calculating impact fees.
City of Olympia Planner Jackson Ewing noted that service and retail uses carry an $8.50 per square-foot transportation impact fee, with credits available for prior uses.
Smith said the existing building is not subject to new impact fees and only the square footage of the proposed addition would be assessed.
The committee advised developers to complete heritage and design review before submitting a building permit application to avoid revisions later in the process.
Developers said they hope to begin construction within the next year.
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Claire
Permissions needed by the Olympia Shitty Council derail many projects in Olympia. Hopefully, the project can overcome these requirements/permissions and finish the project. Trouble is, and I've been down this road before, the permissions will continue to be an element before the final "blessing".
Thursday, September 4, 2025 Report this
OlyGirl
What excellent news! So happy to hear that a historic building in Olympia is actually going to be preserved. I loved spending time there when it was a library and later a bookstore.
Thursday, September 4, 2025 Report this
Annierae
Great news! I played in the basement children's section of the library in tge 1960's and later dined and listened to music when it was Carnegie's Restaurant in the 1980's. Beautiful building worth preserving.
Friday, September 5, 2025 Report this
Wesley
2023!?! These sorts of projects should take weeks to approve, not years!!
Friday, September 5, 2025 Report this
robpen
While I think it's great that the building will be restored, it doesn't seem to reflect or respect the spirit of Carnegie to have a whiskey bar and a whole floor of conference and other rooms for members only (members of what I didn't catch, and I'm unclear what activities are anticipated for these rooms). According to Wikipedia, "Carnegie believed in giving to the "industrious and ambitious; not those who need everything done for them, but those who, being most anxious and able to help themselves, deserve and will be benefited by help from others." He spent $56 million ~100 years ago (the equivalent of billions now) for 2500 libraries--he walked the talk. But if no one else is willing to renovate it, it's still valuable.
Tuesday, September 9, 2025 Report this
Divina
Sign my petition against the whiskey library: https://chng.it/Wbdg5BdBpM
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 Report this