An extant asset
The relatively small state capital of Olympia, located in the South Puget Sound region, lives in the shadow of the giant metropolis of Seattle just to its north. Though sharing the same combined metro area with its larger neighbor, it exists with its own free spirited identity and motley culture. It’s got a great energy and vibe that I really need to make the down trip to experience more often.
1- Looking toward downtown Olympia from the Olympia Yashiro Friendship Bridge. 2- The silhouette of the Washington State Capitol building from across Capitol Lake. 3 & 4- One of the many colorful events in Olympia’s downtown.
However, it is still an American city. So a short distance from the state capitol structure where the building density decreases and the width of the roads increases, even Olympia has its own symbol of suburbanization in the US at Capital Mall.
Capital Mall lease plan ca. 2011. View the full PDF version here.
Located in the northeastern quadrant of the city, Capital Mall is average in every way compared to similar facilities in like sized cities such as Decatur Mall in Decatur, Alabama, Apple Blossom Mall in Winchester, Virginia, and Holiday Village Mall in Great Falls, Montana.
1- The main entrance of Capital Mall. 2- JCPenney. 3- Macy’s. 4- The former Mervyn’s location, now home to REI and Total Wine.
Capital Mall is a single level, low slung monolith of burnt reddish brick blanketing the façade. Its footprint runs primarily in a straight line from west to east abutting six spots for traditional and junior anchors located at various intervals along the length of the retail facility.
Capital Mall Mallmanac ca. 2017. View the full PDF version here.
The interior of Capital Mall holds nothing groundbreaking in its design but rather shares the same elements such as every shade of grey accented with earthy wood tones that can be found at nearby peers Kitsap Mall and The Commons at Federal Way.
Capital Mall Mallmanac ca. 2021. View the full PDF version here.
Capital Mall was actually the second enclosed shopping mall to be built in Thurston County after South Sound Center in nearby Lacey. Opened in 1978, it debuted with original anchors The Bon Marché, JCPenney, Frederick & Nelson and Lamont’s. Frederick & Nelson was eventually replaced by Mervyn’s and today is host to REI and Total Wine & More.
1- The Century Theaters. 2- Macy’s mall entrance. 3 & 4- Along the main concourse.
Today JCPenney stands as the last remaining original anchor while Macy’s still does business in The Bon Marché’s original space. While Lamont’s has been long gone, Century Theaters and Best Buy have opened locations in its place ensuring, for the time being at least, that Capital Mall should hold relevance in its trade area for the coming years.
Capital Mall lease plan ca. 2023. View the full PDF version here.
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