A museum for Olympia?

That’s a question that has many Olympia historians wishing for a solution.

Where to build a new Olympia city museum.   I have a suggestion.   Bear with me for a while.

KGY Radio has a lease with the Port of Olympia for property on the sound.  The owners of the station own the building.  The Port owns the property.   The station’s lease with the port expires in 2019.  The station has an option for five additional years and another five years after that.

But, the station, which was built in 1960, no longer meets the need of the station owners.  It has none of the infrastructure that a modern radio station needs.

The Port of Olympia should buy the building.  It stands over the salt water of Budd Inlet and is grandfathered in.   The state will not allow any more construction over salt water.   Whoever owns the radio station building will be able to renovate or remodeled the existing structure.

The building which houses the radio station is located on one of the most beautiful views of Budd Inlet.  It would be the perfect location for a museum.   It could house a nautical theme, a radio theme and/or a downtown Olympia theme.   The Port of Olympia could partner with the City of Olympia, buy the building and create a museum which would become a tourist attraction.

Cruise ships will begin calling at the Port of Olympia next year.   A museum as close as the station would be a walkable advantage with a built in clientele.

And, it will extend out over the water – – a major asset in itself.