City staff told the Lacey Historical Commission that the McKinney Building, a former resort-era structure on Pacific Avenue near the Lacey Community Center, has deteriorated to the point that it lacks structural integrity and “historical authenticity,” and that rehabilitation would conflict with critical-area protections and be cost-prohibitive. The commission voted unanimously to recommend the building’s removal and to document its history with an interpretive marker.

The staff report presented to the commission summarized a preservation consultant’s conclusion that little of the building remains to support an authentic historic interpretation and noted that the site is inside the Lake Louis Habitat Reserve. Staff identified three sensitive areas that limit redevelopment: Woodland Creek (200-foot buffer), Lake Louis wetland (100-foot buffer) and stands of Oregon white oak prioritized for habitat protection. The report also said the building has been repeatedly vandalized and maintenance costs are escalating.

Commissioners questioned whether historic fuel tanks associated with the site’s earlier auto-camp use remain and noted that remediation would have to be assessed before demolition. Staff acknowledged that tanks might still be present and said environmental investigation and any required remediation would be part of the demolition planning process.

After discussing alternatives, a commissioner moved that the historic commission recommend to the city council the removal of the McKinney Building because of its deterioration and lack of integrity and that the removal be followed by installation of an interpretive sign (with photos) and, if feasible, a small pullout so visitors can safely view the marker. The commission amended the language to frame the action as a recommendation to city council and voted to approve it by voice vote; the chair declared the recommendation unanimously passed.

The commission also directed staff to document the building with photographs and records (mitigation documentation) before removal. Staff said potential sign location, pullout feasibility and remediation needs (if any) will be evaluated in subsequent steps and presented to the commission or council as required.

Next steps: the commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the city council for a final decision, and staff will evaluate site-specific remediation and signage siting as part of implementation planning.