Yesterday, May 31, the Olympia Site Plan Review Committee examined the application of Thomas Architecture Studios on the development of the ‘Carnegie Whiskey Library’ during a presubmission conference.
According to the proposal’s narrative, the project proposes transforming Carnegie building at 620 Franklin Street SE into a public whiskey library, and it will consist of two stories of whiskey lounges and bars distributed around the building.
“The building was formerly known as the Olympia Public Library,” the narrative says. The building is on the Olympia Historical Society & Bigelow House Museum website.
The building is located at 620 Franklin St. SE; it was built back in 1914 and was designed by Architect Joseph Wohleb.
“We plan to do an improvement or adaptive reuse to this building,” Wade Stine, project manager at Thomas Architecture Studios, said.
The work, as presented in the preliminary site plan, includes restoration work of the original wainscoting, flooring, and other interior details to be preserved.
“Some site improvements include providing and defining the parking areas outside in the back to the east and providing some accessible parking with access to an accessible entrance,” Stine shared. “We also plan on providing a bench seating area that's outside at the southwest corner and which could also double as a business sign as well and possibly bring back the light poles which were included with the original construction of the public library and jumping into the building itself.”
Exterior preservation work on the original outside building elements is expected, including the addition of lightpost fixtures as seen in old pictures and the restoration of windows, which will be protected with storm windows if necessary.
Landscaping, pavement replacement/addition, restriping of parking stalls (including the inclusion of a van accessible stall), grading for accessible access, and the building of a major entry waiting seat that will also serve as a monument sign for the site are all part of the site upgrades.
The project plan will be subjected to review according to existing building, soil, vegetation, water, fire, and heritage codes.
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kozicks
Oh come on! Olympia, you can't do better than to convert that historic Library building into an alcohol establishment ?? Olympia where is your art sense? Your heart? We need a fine art gallery, not yet another whiskey bar.
Thursday, June 1, 2023 Report this
KatAshe
I’m not a whiskey drinker myself, but I love this idea. I would imagine it could become a tourist destination, in addition to being a local attraction.
Thursday, June 1, 2023 Report this
JoanneMc
I really find it discouraging that Olympia would be encouraging the expansion of drinking establishments in the downtown area. There are already plenty of other places to imbibe, and no shortage of drunken misbehavior in the area around the old library building. Sylvester Park is right nearby, and is often full of conspicuously inebriated/high/stoned folks....making the downtown area unpleasant for many of our residents and visitors. Please find another use for the beautiful old building, something we can proud of as a community.
Friday, June 2, 2023 Report this
No! Absolutely not. That is my gut reaction, since I remember this building when it was still a public library. However, I respect that the building is privately owned and I believe in the right of the property owners to create the place of their dreams and go broke on their own terms.
Friday, June 2, 2023 Report this
Deanima
The City is neither proposing nor encouraging this, folks. They are reviewing a proposal from a private developer. Also, I guess y'all don't remember that this place was once a bar, in the late 80s, early 90s.
Friday, June 2, 2023 Report this
AugieH
The "Carnegie Building" was named for Andrew Carnegie, who was Scottish-American. As a Scot, he's likely turning over in his grave at the proposed re-naming of the building the "Carnegie Whiskey Library" rather than the "Carnegie WHISKY Library." Apparently, the Olympia Site Plan Review Committee and the Thomas Architecture Studios aren't knowledgeable enough to appreciate the difference in spelling. They should correct their ignorance.
Sunday, June 4, 2023 Report this
Dtcooper
This idea doesn't sit right fir a couple reasons; 1)turning a historical building formely a public library into an business solely for the sale of Alcohol doesnt serve our general public well . 2) with the recent news that the well established Fish Tale Brewery has sadly lost their lease and having to close its doors. It seems oddly suspicious, I could be totally wrong but the timing seems to convenient. I dont have faith that our planning/permits, city commissioners are good managers of the city and the businesses that occupy it. I would look for a more family appropriate use of the historical Carnegie Library building.
Monday, June 5, 2023 Report this