Tumwater approves purchase of 'Lodge Building' at 4315 Tumwater Valley Drive for parks and program space

Tumwater’s City Council voted to authorize a purchase and sale agreement for the building commonly referred to as the Lodge Building at 4315 Tumwater Valley Drive.

City staff described the property as roughly 6,000 square feet with about 1.8 acres, recently used for childcare and event space, with a new roof and HVAC and no major issues reported in a recent inspection. Staff said the original asking price was $2.2 million, an April appraisal was about $1.9 million and the negotiated purchase price agreed with the seller is $1,056,500 (as stated in council materials and in the presentation).

Chuck Denny explained the building’s central location near the Tumwater Valley Golf Course, brewery parking lots and the planned Deschutes Valley Trail. He said the city plans to use park impact fees and Metropolitan Park District funds to reduce the impact on the general fund and indicated the purchase would give the parks and recreation department additional space for offices, programming and small events. Staff emphasized the city would evaluate community use and rental feasibility to avoid direct competition with other event centers.

Councilmember Megan Sullivan moved to proceed with the purchase; Councilmember Kathy seconded, and the council approved the purchase by voice vote. Staff committed to provide before‑and‑after photos and to arrange site visits for council members.

What’s next: Staff will finalize the purchase and return with operational plans and programming analysis, including whether and how the space will be available for community events.

Sources: Presentation by Chuck Denny; finance slides and discussion by Troy; motion by Councilmember Megan Sullivan and second by Councilmember Kathy.