🏓 “The Yard” Could Bring a New Social Hub to Lacey

If you live in Lacey, there’s a new development proposal that could completely change the vibe around Seventh Avenue and College Street.

A Kirkland-based developer, MJR Development, has submitted plans for a 1.6-acre outdoor recreation and dining space called The Yard — and it’s shaping up to be one of the city’s most exciting new concepts.

🍻 Games, Food Trucks & a Taproom

The proposal centers around a laid-back, community-oriented space featuring a mix of entertainment and dining options. Plans include:

• 🏓 Pickleball courts

• 🎯 Cornhole and horseshoes

• 🏑 Croquet greens

• 🍺 A taproom and outdoor bar

• 🚚 Food trucks and casual dining areas

The goal is to create a multi-use recreation area where locals can unwind after work, grab a drink, and enjoy friendly games with neighbors — something Lacey has been missing on this side of town.

🏙 A Boost for a Growing Neighborhood

This part of Lacey has been seeing steady growth in recent years, with hundreds of new apartments and offices already nearby. MJR’s vision for The Yard is to build on that momentum — providing a much-needed social and recreational hub that connects residents, workers, and visitors.

It’s designed with flexibility in mind — outdoor seating in summer, firepits and heaters in cooler months, and spaces that could host community events, live music, and seasonal pop-ups.

🌿 Designed for Connection

Unlike traditional retail developments, The Yard focuses on experience over shopping, tapping into the growing trend of open-air community destinations where people gather for food, drinks, and social activities.

If approved, The Yard could become one of the South Sound’s go-to spots — a place to grab a pint, play a few rounds of pickleball, and catch up with friends in a casual, outdoor setting.

📍 Proposed Location: Seventh Ave & College Street, Lacey
🏗️ Developer: MJR Development (Kirkland, WA)
🌳 Project Size: 1.6 acres
🎯 Status: In proposal phase

📨 I’m Aaron Thomas, a local realtor sharing stories about the people, places, and projects shaping life across the South Sound.
Every Friday, we publish the South Sound Report, covering business openings, developments, and local culture from Tacoma to Olympia.

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