As we gear up for sunshine, good eats, and outdoor spaces, the Tumwater Craft District checks all of the boxes with the new Market Building, one of several structures open for business at the up-and-coming development.
Situated on the grounds near Heritage Distilling Co.’s three-story distillery and tasting room overlooking the Deschutes River Valley, the Market Building offers a wide selection of local purveyors, food vendors, and more.
“It’s really the anchor to our craft producers and retail space,” says Craft District managing member and lead developer, John Peters. “Inspired largely by Pybus Market in Wenatchee, it’s a miniature version of that with a goal of supporting local families and communities.”
To date, 11 tenant spaces are located within, creating a one-stop shopping experience for dining and finding unique items for sale by a mix of area vendors.
It’s an A-list that includes Finnriver, Sweetlee’s Ice Cream, Nana Pattaya Thai Express, and the stunning Kluh Art Gallery featuring works by local artist Julie Kluh, to name a few. Be sure to sample the lobster fries from Olympia Seafood Co., also found inside.
At the building’s north end is an expansive outdoor patio, beer garden with picnic tables, and a covered area with fire tables to warm up on chillier evenings this spring and summer. Look for community-wide artisan and seasonal markets popping up soon.
Sample cuisine from Bastard Pies, one of two featured stationary food trucks. Chef Joe Rumberger rocks Neapolitan-style pizza with names like ‘Old Dirty Bastard,’ aka hand-tossed dough topped with salami, olives, Calabrian chili, and oregano baked to perfection.
Wander next door to Abe’s Waffles for something sweet and savory like the OG chicken and powdered sugar-covered waffle.
The overall project, a partnership between the City of Tumwater, Heritage Distilling, South Puget Sound Community College’s Craft Brewing and Distilling Program, and the Tumwater Craft District, will total six structures when finished.
Included in the build-out is a 2,000-person amphitheater slated for high-end acts upon completion along with music festivals and larger-scale events.
For Additional Information
thecraftdistrict.com
BY EMILY MOLINA