It’s one of the most common requests from Olympian readers: Please update us on the status of Falls Terrace, the longtime Tumwater restaurant that overlooks Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls, but has been shuttered for years.
Well, this time we have an answer.
The Olympian visited the restaurant at 106 Deschutes Way SW on Wednesday afternoon to take a picture of the building, and as we lined up the photo, the owner of the business, Daniel Vavrinec, emerged from a side door.
The Olympian caught up with him and he agreed to a short interview.
“We’re just continuing to work on updates,” he said, acknowledging the work has been slow. “But we are continuing to work on updates. I really have no reopen date set, but at some point the restaurant will reopen.”
What are some of the updates? The building was repainted and a deck was renovated, he said.
“It’s just taken longer than expected,” Vavrinec said.
How long has the business been closed? It closed as soon as the restaurant-related COVID-19 mandates went into effect in 2020, he said.
Falls Terrace, the landmark restaurant in Tumwater that overlooks Tumwater Falls, has been closed since the pandemic, but it is being renovated.
Curious about Altitude 15? You can see it during Arts Walk
Curious about the new enterprise taking shape at 225 State Ave. NE, in the former home of the Providence Community Care Center. It’s set to become Altitude 15, a Food Hall and Culinary Co-op.
It will be hosting artists during Fall Arts Walk, according to a Facebook announcement.
Join Willow Wicklund Sculptural Design and Lorrie Hall Watercolors from 5-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, and noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4.
“We will be displaying and selling our works including originals, prints and notecards,” the post reads.
A new business, Altitude 15, is taking shape at the corner of Franklin Street and State Avenue, just south of the Intercity Transit hub in downtown Olympia.
Former Old Town Bicycle space has a new tenant
The space at 420 Capitol Way S. that was once home to a bicycle business is set to welcome Noctua Emporium, the business announced on social media.
“Nestled in the charming, character-filled, historical Talcott building, our collective is a thoughtfully curated destination offering antiques, vintage finds, rare collectibles, living greenery, locally crafted wares/art, and a selection of small-batch organic teas,” a Facebook post reads. “We celebrate the beauty of the past while embracing intentional, sustainable living.”
The business is set to open Wednesday, Oct. 1. A grand opening is set from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4.
Noctua Emporium is filling a space left vacant by Old Town Bicycle at 420 Capitol Way S.
Olympia Dance Center has new home
Olympia Dance Center and Ballet Northwest will have a new home in 2026, the dance school announced.
They are moving into a former state office building at 1110 Jefferson St. SE that was previously occupied by the state Department of Children, Youth and Families.
“This 24,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility will be home to Olympia Dance Center and Ballet Northwest, as well as other non34gbprofits, artists, and wellness professionals such as massage therapists, physical therapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, and more!” the business announced on Facebook. “… It also features a parking garage with over 50 parking spots. The building will open in phases, and be fully operational in 2026!”
Olympia Dance Center and Ballet Northwest are moving into this former state office building at 1110 Jefferson St. SE.
Georgia-Pacific invests in Olympia plant
Georgia-Pacific has spent $2.6 million to replace a piece of equipment damaged in a June 9 fire, the business announced.
The fire damaged a piece of corrugating equipment known as the singlefacer, which is used at the beginning of the corrugating process and a critical link in box production. Without it, the plant cannot produce certain types of boxes for customers, according to a news release.
“After the fire, we considered several alternatives for repair and ultimately decided a larger investment in new equipment made the most sense in the long run,” said David Schmaltz, general manager of the Olympia plant, in a statement. “We are excited to continue investing in our plant, our people and our community.”
The new singlefacer was installed over Labor Day weekend. Georgia-Pacific has invested close to $30 million in the Olympia facility in the last 10 years, according to the news release.
The Georgia-Pacific box plant on Fones Road in Olympia.
Mud Bay will match all customer pet food purchases with donations
Olympia-based pet retailer Mud Bay will match all pet food purchases on Neighborhood Pet Store Day, which is Saturday, Sept. 27, by donating an equal amount of pet food and supplies to animal welfare organizations in the community.
“Shelters are stretched thin right now, and food is one of their biggest needs,” said Mud Bay Co-CEO Marisa Wulff in a statement, “and we know our customers; they’re animal lovers just like us, and together we can make a real difference for local shelters.”
All pet food sales at its more than 60 stores or online at Mudbay.com will be matched by donations to one of 20 Pacific Northwest animal welfare partners.
Mud Bay’s home office is in downtown Olympia.
Black Lake Trees will be closed this season
Christmas tree destination Black Lake Trees, at the intersection of 62nd Avenue Southwest and Delphi Road, will be closed this 2025 season, the business announced.
“In 2021 we lost Marv, who shepherded and nurtured his fields for 30 years,” the Facebook post reads. “Just recently we lost Rick, who liked being the Santa Claus to tree-hunters and tried to make sure each family found the right tree.
“We miss them. We will miss all of you.”
Need a job?
Eastside Big Tom’s, a popular and quirky burger stand at 2023 Fourth Ave. E., is hiring.
“So, it’s that time of year again,” said owner Michael Fritsch on Instagram. “A lot of our Big Tom family has gone back to school, be it college or high school, and we find ourselves needing staff so we can keep the doors open.
“Drop off resumes at the ice cream walk-up window.”
Where’s the ice-cream walk-up window? Well, you’ll find it past the dinosaurs and on the other side of the TARDIS. Does that make sense?
Eastside Big Tom.
Meet the owners of Glowies. Plus, a diner opens and more housing proposed
What’s new with Glowies? Plus, a longtime food biz will close, discount store opens
Smash burger site opens in Tumwater and Trader Joe’s confirms new Lacey store
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.
