🏗️ The Gibson: New Affordable Housing

Former Office Building Will Be Converted into 64 Units of Affordable Housing, Adding to Olympia’s Urban Housing Mix

In a significant step toward increasing access to affordable housing in the heart of Olympia, developer Ken Brogan is moving forward with plans to transform a former office building at 505 Union Ave into a 64-unit residential complex named The Gibson.

The project had been temporarily delayed while current state tenants relocated, but with that hurdle now cleared, construction and permitting are back on track—and Olympia is one step closer to addressing a critical housing need.

🏢 About the Project

The Gibson will be a redevelopment of an existing commercial building located just blocks from Capitol Lake and Budd Inlet. The name, inspired by Brogan’s love of guitars, adds a personal flair to what is poised to become a highly impactful project in Olympia’s housing strategy.

Here’s what we know so far:

🏘️ 64 Units of Housing
🌇 Located Downtown, with proximity to public transit and walkable amenities
🌿 Conversion Project, reusing an existing structure rather than building new
💵 Backed by Affordable Housing Incentives through the City of Olympia

The building was formerly home to state offices, including the Transportation Improvement and Freight Mobility Strategic Investment boards, which are now scheduled to move into the Department of Natural Resources building on the Capitol Campus in early July.

🏙️ Why This Project Matters for Olympia

The Gibson is part of Olympia’s broader efforts to encourage more affordable housing options in the city’s urban core. With population growth on the rise and rents becoming increasingly unaffordable for many, city leaders have prioritized housing development by offering incentives, reduced impact fees, and fast-tracked permitting for projects like this.

Here’s why it matters:

✔ Adds Affordable Units to a Tight Market – 64 new homes for individuals and families
✔ Reduces Commercial Vacancy – Gives new life to an underutilized building
✔ Walkable Location – Increases access to downtown jobs, transit, and services
✔ Helps Address Homelessness & Housing Instability – Adds inventory to serve those most in need

Deputy Director of Community Planning and Economic Development Tim Smith confirmed that the city is currently reviewing the building permit, with strong internal support due to the alignment with city goals.

🎸 What’s Behind the Name “The Gibson”?

According to Brogan, “I collect guitars, so the name and signage hints toward my liking.” He shared a rendering of the building with The Olympian, showing a sleek, modern design that preserves the structural integrity of the original office building while refreshing the exterior for residential use.

🏗️ What’s Next?

With permitting and tenant relocation nearly complete, construction is expected to begin in the second half of 2025. Once complete, The Gibson will offer studio and one-bedroom layouts, likely geared toward working professionals, seniors, and individuals who benefit from below-market rents.

📍 Location: 505 Union Ave, Olympia, WA
📅 Timeline: Permitting in progress, construction expected to start later in 2025
🏘️ Developer: Ken Brogan, also behind the Views on Fifth development nearby

💬 What’s Your Take on Downtown Housing Growth?

Do you support more adaptive reuse projects like this one?
Would you like to see more affordable housing options in downtown Olympia?
Drop your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear from you!

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