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.”
