Longtime Tumwater wine bar to close, and more senior housing proposed for downtown Olympia
Uncork & Unwind, a 13-year-old wine bar on Custer Way near Capitol Boulevard, will close in September, the owner announced on Facebook and in an email to customers that was shared with The Olympian.
“As with all good things, sometimes you realize that the time has come to start making some big changes,” said owner Michelle Pierce in her post. “And after over a year of struggling with what was the correct decision to make, I finally decided it’s time for me to close Uncork & Unwind and maybe get a ‘real’ job — actually there is no maybe — I’m going to be getting one of those.”
Pierce praised her customers for their support.
“You’ve supported us through the beginning when we were solidly learning what the heck we were doing, followed us with every new adventure we considered, both the good and the bad, and came out in the most amazing support ever during that tiny little bug called COVID,” she wrote.
The business will be open until Saturday, Sept. 23, according to her post. What she calls a “retirement party” will take place on Friday, Sept. 22.
“Details will be forthcoming,” she said about the party. “If you have an event already scheduled with us, don’t worry, we are still ready to make it fabulous. Nothing has changed. We are excited to continue to celebrate the rest of the summer with you, and then have a BIG party to celebrate all that Uncork & Unwind has meant to all of us.”
She also said that August is the last month for wine club members.
“If you haven’t picked up your wine yet, please make sure you do so prior to 9/22/23. Otherwise, it will be gifted to charity, aka my staff. I feel the biggest thank you goes to all our present and past wine club members. We wouldn’t have made it some months without you.”
Other business happenings
The Salvation Army is exploring the creation of senior housing on two parcels at 821 Fourth Ave. E, on the same block as the Eagles club and across the street from the Washington Lottery office, according to city of Olympia information.
“The proposal is to construct a new 6-story affordable senior housing building with 61 one-bedroom and two-bedroom residential units, ground floor offices, tenant community room, and other tenant common areas for socialization,” the narrative reads. “Each residential unit will be approximately 500-600 square feet in area.”
Evergreen Wellness Company, a new health and wellness clinic, has opened in west Olympia at 406 Yauger Way SW, Suite C, the business announced in an email to The Olympian.
Oowner Trey Larant, a doctor of physical therapy, says the clinic does not take insurance, but uses a cash-pay model, which “removes the need for a referral and allows for quicker access to care,” the email reads.
Services, which are offered in-person and online, include physical therapy, personal and wellness training, injury prevention group training classes and nutrition coaching.
“The building was renovated and updated before moving in and outfitted with brand new functional exercise equipment perfect for rehab and injury prevention,” the email reads. “The design incorporates lots of wood and greenery to create an environment more conducive to wellness rather than the typical cold, clinical health care setting.”
Larant, who is part of the LGBTQ community, says his goal is to make everyone feel safe and welcome.
Representatives of Oak Harbor Freight Lines met with Tumwater’s Development Review Committee on Thursday to get feedback on a proposal to bring a trucking facility to 10 acres of a 22.2-acre parcel at 9801 Lathrop Industrial Drive SW. Meeting with the city’s DRC is considered a preliminary step in the development process.
Banking
Olympia Federal Savings, headquartered in downtown Olympia, reported that assets grew $11.1 million to $932.6 million during its fiscal first quarter, which began April 1 and ended June 30.
In addition, the bank experienced growth of $15.6 million in consumer and business loans, helping to strengthen the local economy and housing market, a news release reads.
“We remain fiscally sound with positive net earnings, core checking accounts and non-interest income,” said Josh Deck, president and CEO, in a statement.
If you know of a retailer, restaurant, coffee shop or other business that is opening, closing, expanding, remodeling, or changing its focus, send an email to reporter Rolf Boone at rboone@theolympian.com.
