OLYMPIA ARMORY CREATIVE CAMPUS WINS WA STATE SMART PROJECT AWARD

The Olympia Armory Creative Campus just received one of only three Washington State Smart Projects Awards as part of the 2023 Governor’s Smart Communities Awards program:

“The Olympia Armory Creative Campus – Community Visioning and Concept Plan Development repurposes a historic site in the City of Olympia for continued community benefit by transforming a former National Guard armory into a public arts center. After engaging over 6,500 community stakeholders, the new art center will meet a long-standing goal of Olympia’s comprehensive plan.”

ORA was the collaborating architect with Framework Cultural Placemaking to develop the concept design completed in 2022 for this dynamic arts venue supporting a wide range of community uses.  The Drill Hall will be converted to a flexible assembly space for theater, dance, exhibitions, and community gatherings. The existing lay-in ceiling will be removed to expose dramatic bowstring trusses and the original south-facing windows will be restored.  The lower level former garage and outbuilding will provide highly adaptable art studios, performance and exhibition spaces.”