Project Facts
Know the facts about Salish Landing
Key details about this transformative development for south Tumwater.
Salish Landing…
Creates Mid-Market Housing
There is a gap in the local housing market between subsidized, entry-level and high-end market rate housing. Salish Landing will add 180+ units of middle-market housing for Thurston County, proactively addressing the region’s housing shortage, and moving the County closer to meeting requirements of Washington State’s Growth Management Act to add 52,000 units of housing.
Allows Thurston County to Craft Growth Where it is Needed
By adding the Salish Landing development site to Tumwater’s Urban Growth Area (UGA), the City and County create residential and commercial development where it is needed by the community, reducing car trips and miles driven by bringing vital services closer to residents of south Thurston County.
Reduced or No Development Pressure on Adjacent Forestlands
Salish Landing is surrounded on three sides by arterial roads and existing development. The parcel to the south is designated mineral resource lands, making it ineligible for future inclusion in the Urban Growth Area or development.
Fosters Community Connections
A key partner in the Salish Landing development is the South Sound YMCA. The land for a new YMCA building at Salish Landing will be donated by Rob Rice and Mike Brewer to support the Y in their mission of building inclusive communities focused on health and well-being. With its strategic location in Tumwater, the Y at Salish Landing will serve residents in south Tumwater as well as the surrounding communities like Tenino, East Olympia, and South Union.
During its almost 190-year history, the YMCA has been at the forefront of creating strong communities by providing places for people and families to visit to improve their mental, physical and spiritual health while connecting with their neighbors. The Y at Salish Landing will be a gathering place developed by and for the community, with a planned pool, daycare, and youth and adult programs.
Honors Indigenous History
Salish Landing celebrates the indigenous history and culture of the area through interpretative displays that mark the Cowlitz Trading Trail and through its longhouse-inspired architecture.
Read the letter of support from the Squaxin Island Tribe
Creates Proportional Commercial Growth
Thurston County is one of the fastest growing counties in Washington. The Salish Landing project site is the only parcel in south Thurston County large enough to offer commercial growth that is proportional to the population increase in the area while incorporating residential housing, much needed services and recreational opportunities to residents.
Drives Economic Growth in Tumwater & Thurston County
The Thurston Economic Development Council estimates that Salish Landing will add 298 jobs, $15.3M in new labor income, and $40.2M in total economic output, generating $3.6M in state and local tax revenues.
In addition, it is estimated that the construction phase of the project will create 2,380 jobs, $168.9M in new labor income, and $336.9M in total economic output, generating $15.1M in state and local tax revenues.
Read the Economic Development Council’s Findings
Reduces Car Miles Driven
Salish Landing will reduce car miles driven and travel times in south Thurston County by bringing vital services and recreation opportunities closer to residents who live outside the Urban Growth Area (UGA). The development serves urban residents of Tumwater and the residents of Tenino, Union, and Rainer by establishing a commercial and community hub in the southeast corner of the City of Tumwater’s UGA.
