Lacey Historical Commission approves conversion of Lacey Women’s Club to rental home

The Lacey Historical Commission on Wednesday approved a certificate of appropriateness allowing City Gates Ministries to convert the Lacey Women’s Club building at 827 Lacey Street SE into a rented residence.

The commission’s approval, made by motion using language recommended by staff, covers both the change of use and the proposed interior renovations and limited exterior work. Aaron, City of Lacey staff, told the commission that “it is my recommendation that the certificate of appropriateness is approved both for the change in use and the proposed renovations.”

Why it matters: the building, constructed in 1937 and listed on Lacey’s register of historic properties as the Lacey Women’s Club, is locally significant for its association with community organizations and has retained much of its exterior historic character. The decision clears the way for City Gates Ministries to obtain city permits and proceed with renovations required to make the building a safe, code-compliant dwelling.

Commissioners heard from Ed McPhoy, a board member and project manager for City Gates Ministries, who described the organization’s track record renovating housing and said the group is “committed to preserving the historical integrity of the clubhouse.” McPhoy also said the organization intends to retain the property’s significant landscape elements and existing windows where permitted: “We can keep them as is, and that will be City Gates Ministry’s intention, to retain the existing windows.”

Staff and applicant described the proposed work as primarily interior: dividing a large front room to form a bedroom and living area, removing a utility/bathroom partition to enlarge the bathroom, and installing mechanical systems, insulation and necessary electrical and plumbing upgrades so the structure meets residential code. The project team told the commission an access panel will be cut in the rear to service a new water heater and that a heat pump mini-split will provide heating and cooling, with an exterior condensing unit placed where it will be “hidden from the road frontage.”

Commissioners asked technical questions about mechanical, electrical and plumbing impacts to the exterior. Alan asked whether the exterior would be affected by MEP work and later urged a specific installation preference: “I would really like to see the heat pump be ground mounted instead of on the building.” The applicant’s representative responded that the condensing unit is typically placed on a pad at grade and that the team will aim to locate exterior equipment behind the building and screen it with siding and trim to match the historic façade.

Commission staff noted the review is governed by the Lacey Municipal Code and is measured against the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation; commissioners were asked to make findings of fact tied to those standards. Staff emphasized that the certificate of appropriateness decision must be made within the 30-day statutory window after application submission.

The commission’s approval was unanimous. Kimberly made the motion to approve the staff-recommended language; Kevin seconded, and no commissioners recorded opposition. Commissioners and staff confirmed that, if the owner wishes, the decision can be appealed under the applicable procedures.

The applicant said City Gates Ministries acquired the deed to the property on April 2 and intends to rent the finished dwelling to a single household; the building’s finished area is small (applicants cited roughly 726 square feet). The group also indicated they will seek the building permits required by Community and Economic Development and have already had pre-submission meetings with staff.

The commission’s action leaves the building on the local register while allowing change of use and limited exterior work that staff and the applicant said will preserve the property’s character and landscape features.