# Historic Preservation Commission Oct. 15, 2026

The Tumwater Historic Preservation Commission met October 15, 2026. The main action was a unanimous motion directing the City to obtain a new or revised permit for the Davis-Meeker Oak, consistent with the retention option, to maximize structural pruning while keeping the tree alive and to proceed promptly. Staff said permitting and treatment planning were needed, and that delaying work could require highway closures during severe weather; a commissioner suggested treating the work as an emergency, and staff said they would request an emergency declaration from the mayor and follow up with council. No contract award or specific treatment cost was approved. The commission also received an update on the Olympia Tumwater Foundation’s preservation work: the Foundation hired Art Tech for display-case improvements at Schmidt House, is planning bids for gutter repairs and expects to repair or replace hazardous sidewalks, and is developing a History Nature Center expansion with federal and state funding subject to review. The Foundation reported receiving a $300,000 Bowen Conservancy Foundation grant, partly for invasive-species removal and native planting at Brewery Park. The cemetery-sign project, supported by a grant and involving Tenino stone carvers, is expected to be completed by June 2027.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure, Environment
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure, Grants & Funding
**Published:** October 16, 2026

### Sources
- [Historic Preservation Commission Oct. 15, 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0eN1fKIoi0) - Tumwater, WA - City Government