Olivia council expresses interest in acquiring downtown Armory and adjacent vehicle storage buildings for $1 each

The Olivia City Council voted to communicate formal interest to the state in acquiring the downtown National Guard Armory and an adjacent motor-vehicle storage building for $1 each, after staff reported facility assessments and potential civic uses.

Staff summarized the Armory’s history and condition, saying engineers and an environmental review found no immediate red-flag needs and that some historic asbestos-related materials had been abated in prior work. The state’s stewardship includes a 25-year public-use requirement for any transfer.

Possible municipal uses discussed included an emergency shelter and centralized emergency supplies, a community center or senior center, event rental space to generate revenue, and daycare space to meet local needs. For the motor-vehicle storage building, utilities and public-works staff said the garage could be remodeled to serve as centralized storage and operations for water/wastewater and electric departments at a lower cost than building new facilities.

Councilors discussed sequencing the two property transactions — several members expressed a preference to complete the Chrysler Center sale before committing to a purchase of the Armory. Nonetheless, a motion to express interest and begin the state process passed on a voice vote. Staff was authorized to notify the state of the city’s interest so the city can pursue next steps, including a more detailed capital-improvement plan and cost estimates.