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Downtown Gallery of Architecture

For the month of May, we present a virtual gallery of architecture in downtown Olympia highlighting the history and architectural features of a selection of downtown buildings.

  • 5.1.2019
  • Olympia Design Month

Resource originally built as Olympia Federal Savings & Loan

Architect: Bennett & Johnson, 1967/1978

Reflecting the postwar growth of the banking industry, Olympia Federal Savings & Loan set out in the late 1960s to make a
bold architectural statement on a prominent lot in downtown Olympia. The local architectural firm of Bennett & Johnson
rose to the occasion, and set a new architectural standard for the city. Designed as a floating glass box inside a metal and brick frame, today the building remains one of the most intact midcentury modern buildings in the city. In 1978 Bennett & Johnson designed the rear and side additions which enclosed part of the open box.

The building is also noteworthy for its mahogany carved doors which feature a maze of skeleton key shapes inlaid with colored glass. They were designed and built by noted Wenatchee artist Walter Graham.