Okay gang, here we go. Another downtown building. Not as colorful as this one is it? Nope, but it ask just about anyone around Olympia what they think of it and chances are you'll get an earful. Built in 1966 and at that time called the Capital Center this building went through some changes over the years. Eventually in the 1980's thru 2005 it became state offices most notably housing the Department of Corrections. A new building was built for DOC in 2005 or 2006 in Tumwater. Here's where the controversy begins. Check out this rental agreement. How'd you like to be the landlord that worked out that deal? Not to bore you with hours of reading, but if you click here it will fill you in on what's going on now.
Interesting predicament. I can see both sides. But, I think the city is being prudent and fiscally responsible. I'm surprised at the price ... a whole building for what you would pay for 2 or 3 houses in Seattle ... and perhaps only part of a single home in Bellevue!
ReplyDeleteInteresting story and happening in lots of cities.
ReplyDeleteWhen the building was built in 1966 who were it's tenants? Why was it called Capitol Center? Was it a center like some with lots of different stores or an office building. Why do I have so many questions? I know, inquiring minds, LOL
BTW: where is the promised Pony Boy? MB
It must be owned by a politician, lawyer or evangelist. They all makes deals too good to be true.
ReplyDeleteWell, I don't think it is a bad-looking building; just kinda blah, like much of what was built in the 1960s...faux moderne.
ReplyDeleteAll the shenanigans about the building remind me of some of Ocala's problems trying to work with a developer to redo the downtown area...it never happened and the city lost money.
This building doth look perfect for government offices.
Hah!
I had to come visit when I saw the title of your post. What does the world's biggest paperweight look like? I wondered. And is it in Olympia? Who knew? Now, I'm thinking, "Wow - smart landlord" on one hand and "Hey, that's my tax payments they're squandering."
ReplyDeleteYep, I think you all sort of got the idea here. Interesting predicament. Most people around here view it as the biggest eye-sore in the area.
ReplyDeleteMB: Sorry 'bout that. I'll try to post it in the next couple of days.
Well, it remind's me of an union HQ in Dublin, Ireland. It's ugly. But still, 16 millions??? You'll get several palaces here for this price.
ReplyDeleteMy age. I have undergone changes too, lol! I hope I'm not that ugly though.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend.
Rob and Mandy: This place is anything but a palace.
ReplyDeletecieldequimper: I had to chuckle at that one. You have a good weekend too.