Port of Olympia expands contract with architecture firm to support relocation of admin offices 

Posted

The Port of Olympia Commission authorized the expansion of a contract with its on-call service engineering and design service provider. 

The port’s contract with Thomas Architecture Studio was originally capped at $100,000 but was increased to $500,000 as part of the commission’s consent agenda on Monday, May 12. 

The infusion of funds will allow the firm to provide design and support services as the port moves its administrative office to the former Dancing Goats Coffee building near the marine terminal entrance. The commission authorized the purchase of the building back in February for $2.15 million. 

The amendment to the firm’s contract also extended its end date from Dec. 31, 2025, to the end of 2027. 

The port first hired the firm in 2022 for architecture and project management services. The firm has a pool of subcontractors it can tap into for different construction and planning work. 

The subcontractors include: 

  • SCJ Alliance for civil and traffic engineering 
  • PCS Structural Solutions for structural engineering
  • SiteWorks for landscape architecture
  • Hultz BHU Engineers Inc. for mechanical and electrical engineering and plumbing 
  • Foresight Surveying Inc. and MTN2COAST LLC for land surveys
  • Quality GEO NW PLLC for geotechnical engineering
  • Bill Acker Consulting Services for cost estimates. 

According to its original pitch letter to the port, Thomas Architecture Studio has more than 45 years of experience in the construction industry, having helped various local organizations and municipalities. It has worked with the City of Olympia, Thurston County, as well other counties, such as Pierce, Kitsap and Lewis. 

Comments

5 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here

  • JnNwmn

    The building was purchased for $2.15 million dollars. The consultant gets $.5 million. And the tax payer pays for it all.

    Wednesday, May 21 Report this

  • Porter

    $500,000 for "design" services. My God!

    Wednesday, May 21 Report this

  • longtimeresident

    Some things around Olympia are just getting ridiculous......

    Wednesday, May 21 Report this

  • Snevets

    What in the world?? From 100,000 to 500,000... I understand construction from coffee roaster to more office space but.... & landscaping???

    Is the marina now going to be left in a heap?

    Wednesday, May 21 Report this

  • Boatyarddog

    Spending without regard to explanations to as Why? The building is in great shape..

    Probably smells like roasted coffee so they tear out the entire interior and rebuild.

    Design of that much cost, smells fishy.

    Thursday, May 22 Report this