Olympia Armory endorsed for National Register of Historic Places

The Olympia Heritage Commission has unanimously endorsed the nomination of the historic Olympia Armory to the National Register of Historic Places.

At a recent commission meeting on Aug. 28, Valerie Roberts, the Olympia Armory building manager, presented the Armory's rich history and architectural significance.

Constructed in 1938 and opened in 1939, the Armory served as the home of the Washington State National Guard for over 80 years until its transfer to the city in 2021.

The Armory, Roberts explained, is historically significant for two main reasons:

It is a public works-funded building and a significant example of the Art Moderne architectural style, one of the best-preserved armory buildings in this style in Washington.

It served as the home of the Washington State National Guard from 1939 until 2021 and immediately thereafter became a hub for various community events and activities, such as car shows, dog shows, basketball, art markets, etc.

The armory also features two significant pieces of artwork - a golden eagle sculpture on the front and a painting by National Guard members called "Willie and Joe" in the back annex.

According to Roberts, pursuing the National Registry nomination began when the city took ownership of the building as part of a mitigation agreement and a Heritage Capital Projects grant it received.

"The Olympia Armory is not just a building, it's a community hub that has hosted countless social events, community gatherings, and cultural activities over the decades," said Roberts. "From car shows and dog shows to roller derby matches and art markets, this building has been the heart of Olympia for generations."

The commission's endorsement paves the way for the nomination to be reviewed by the state advisory board, a step towards the armory's inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.

Olympia City Council is expected to review and endorse the nomination at its meeting on October 8.

In July, the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation informed the city that the National Guard Armory at 515 Eastside St. SE had been submitted for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.

Before the Olympia Armory can be considered for nomination to the National Register, the Olympia Heritage Commission (the local preservation commission) and an elected official must comment on whether the property meets the National Register criteria after providing a reasonable opportunity for public comment.