Site plan, plat approved for multifamily residential project on Henderson Boulevard in Tumwater

A multifamily residential project on Henderson Boulevard in Tumwater is moving forward after the developer was granted a preliminary plat and site plan for the project. 

Tumwater Hearing Examiner Mark Scheibmeir released his decision on Sept. 30 to grant a preliminary plat for a 10-unit townhome project and a site plan for an 84-unit apartment development. The residential project is known as Henderson 94.

Three buildings would contain the townhomes, while six would house the apartments. All buildings would be sited on an undeveloped 9.22-acre property. The project features a recreation building and 2.69 acres of open space. 

The project includes the construction of two new public roads. Trails End Drive would be extended from Henderson Boulevard to form a stub connection with an undeveloped parcel to the northeast. A new road would also be made at the western portion in front of the townhomes and extend toward Durrell Road. 

Scheibmeir noted in his decision that the greatest concern with the project is its impact on the intersection of Henderson Boulevard and Old Highway 99. 

The project is expected to generate 63 vehicle trips during the evening peak hour, adding traffic to the intersection, according to a Transportation Impact Analysis prepared by the developer. 

Even without the project, the intersection’s level of service is already projected to fall to category “E” by 2031. The Washington State Department of Transportation describes category E level of service as an unstable flow with volume at or near capacity. 

To address the problem, the City of Tumwater plans to construct a roundabout at the intersection. 

Environmental concerns 

Scheibmeir also noted concerns from the public about an 18-acre wetland north of the project.  

A 150 feet buffer would be maintained along the perimeters of the wetland where no development would occur except for a recreational trail. 

The examiner wrote in his analysis that the stormwater system designed for the project would ensure natural discharge of stormwater to the wetland. 

“I find that the wetland has been carefully considered throughout this application and appropriate provisions have been made for its protection,” wrote Scheibmeir in his decision.

Beyond concerns for the wetlands, 498 trees currently stand on the property. The developer plans to retain 106, which is below the city-required number of 111. To address the gap, the developer would need to plant 15 trees on top of the required street trees. 

Meanwhile, the land is not considered gopher habitat, according to a report prepared by the developer through a biologist. 

Avigation easement 

The Olympia Regional Airport, echoing its comments on a previous Tumwater Boulevard townhome project, requested an avigation easement for the Henderson Boulevard development to promote public safety and protect airport operations. 

Scheibmeir rejected the request on similar grounds as the previous Tumwater Boulevard townhome project, pointing to the timing of the request. 

“It is important to note that this request comes at the last minute with no prior discussion by the Port with either the city or the applicant regarding the proposed easement,” Scheibmeir wrote. 

“It suggests that the Port does not expect the easement to be granted and is making this request more to express its frustration with the City's current airport zoning.”