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Lacey, Saint Martin—s and developer near agreement on Midtown roundabout and pedestrian access
Summary
City staff and private partners outlined a draft memorandum of understanding to build a roundabout at Seventh Avenue and College Street as a Midtown gateway, with right‑of‑way contributions and pedestrian connections into Saint Martin—s University. Council signaled support to place the MOU on a future consent agenda for formal action.
City staff on April 8 outlined a draft memorandum of understanding (MOU) with MGR Development (DM Ventures) and Saint Martin—s University to design and build a roundabout and pedestrian improvements at the Seventh Avenue–College Street entrance to the Midtown/Woodland District and to advance pedestrian access into the Saint Martin—s campus.
Rick (public works staff) told the council the project has been discussed in planning efforts dating to the Woodland District strategic plan and the Downtown 2000 planning work. The draft agreement would have the city design and construct the intersection improvement; MGR/DM Ventures and Saint Martin—s University would dedicate necessary right‑of‑way along their property frontages, and each would be responsible for back‑of‑curb landscaping and ornamental frontage improvements. Saint Martin—s would design and construct a pedestrian connection into its campus at its discretion and timing.
The nut graf: the proposal seeks to create a signature gateway into the Midtown District, improve pedestrian crossings of College Street and support broader district redevelopment envisioned in Lacey—s Woodland District strategic plan. Developers and the Abbey (Saint Martin—s) have discussed right‑of‑way and alignment options for several years; staff said the current alignment centers the roundabout in the existing College Street alignment and apportions right‑of‑way takings to both adjacent property owners.
Rick walked council through conceptual layouts and noted alternatives previously considered, including an approach that would have pushed the roundabout farther onto Abbey property. The draft MOU allows the city, at its discretion, to install a gateway feature in the roundabout and specifies that the Abbey and DM Ventures would participate in selection of any entry feature. Saint Martin—s would dedicate the needed east‑side right‑of‑way and would be responsible for designing the campus pedestrian entrance.
Council members asked about likely future land uses around the intersection; staff said MGR has discussed open‑air food/entertainment uses on the northwest corner and proposed mixed‑use residential buildings along Seventh Avenue. Council also raised pedestrian safety and sight‑line concerns for any roundabout art or features. Staff said traffic and safety design would be part of the detailed engineering process.
Rick asked whether council wanted the city manager authorized to sign the MOU and whether council preferred the authorization appear on a regular council agenda or on the consent calendar. Several council members indicated comfort placing the item on the consent agenda for formal action at a future meeting.
Ending: Staff said, if authorized, design work could begin in late 2025 and construction would follow dependent on final design, right‑of‑way acquisition and project funding; staff will return to council with the final MOU and a proposed schedule.
