THE DOWNTOWN: Heritage of timber meets new growth:

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Olympia, Washington

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Progress Sunday, March 17, 2002 Shelton \| Historic core restored while northwest side grows Steve Bloom/The Olympian Improvements including upgraded sidewalks, benches and murals add to Shelton's downtown renovation. THE DOWNTOWN: Heritage of timber meets new growth RUTH LONGORIA THE OLYMPIAN "This is a mill town, and it's going to stay a mill town. But, it's a mill town that is coming up to speed." -- Gerry RingErickson, Shelton Mason County Chamber of Commerce SHELTON -- It could be called a tale of two cities. In Shelton, the old, established downtown and the new, expanding northwest side seem to coexist and thrive in spite of, or possibly because of, each other. "Both parts of Shelton are important and complement each other," Shelton Mason County Chamber of Commerce executive director Gerry RingErickson said. It hasn't always been so. The city's downtown was platted in 1865 by Shelton's founder David Shelton and his son, Speedy Shelton. David Shelton -- who arrived in the area in 1853 and built Shelton's first white homestead on a 640-acre donation land claim -- became the town's first mayor and donated land for churches, parks and the Masonic Cemetery. In the 1890s, Sol G. Simpson and his logging company began to harvest Shelton's biggest commodity, its dense forestland. Simpson Timber remains the backbone of Shelton's economy; however, growth in the town isn't limited to wood and wood products. "This is a mill town, and it's going to stay a mill town. But, it's a mill town that is coming up to speed," RingErickson said. The 1990s saw major development in the northwest section of town. Wal-Mart, Fred Meyer and a host of smaller businesses spread out on the east side of U.S. Highway 101, causing some to wonder whether downtown was changing its location. The departure of downtown Shelton's only department store, J.C. Penney, added to that scenario. The town's center was down, but it wasn't ready to give up. Many businesses, such as Lumbermans and Olsen Furniture, continued to thrive. In recent years, the city began a restoration project that included street repairs and light posts. Many businesses were remodeled to resemble the Shelton of the 1920s, a time that was considered to be Shelton's biggest growth period. Downtown Shelton got a big boost in the past decade with the construction of a civic center and a community college, Olympic College Shelton. Also, several businesses moved into downtown, reinvigorating the area with cafes, antique stores, restaurants and specialty shops. In the past few years, the Shelton Mason County Chamber of Commerce and the Olde Town Association have added to the beautification of downtown through the purchase of more than 100 hanging baskets, brackets and banners. The beautification project is made possible through donations from business owners and the work of volunteer community members. While downtown has become prettier, uptown has become grander. One expansion has been at Fred Meyer, which recently began a remodeling project that will add a $1.25 million drive-through pharmacy, a nutrition center, organic produce section, fish and meat counter and an espresso cart. Grant Bulski, store director at the Shelton Fred Meyer, said the changes are necessary with recent growth at the business. However, growth on his side of town hasn't detracted from the necessity of downtown businesses, Bulski said. "I shop downtown; downtown is a very integral part of Shelton," Bulski said. "The restaurants, antique stores and post office will always draw a crowd." Ruth Longoria covers Mason County for The Olympian. She can be reached at 360-754-5435 or email at rlongori@olympia.gannett.com. Shelton by the numbers - Population: 8,442 - Demographics in 2000: 85.8 percent white, 10.9 percent Hispanic, 2.7 percent American Indian or Alaska native, 0.4 percent black, 1.2 percent Asian, 5.8 percent other race, 3.4 percent two or more races. - Population growth: The city grew from 7,241 in 1990 to 8,442 in 2000, keeping up a population growth average of 1.2 percent per year. - City history: Shelton was founded in 1853, by David Shelton. He and his son, Speedy Shelton, surveyed land for the town based on where the railroad would be coming through. That is why one of the main thoroughfare's through Shelton is named Railroad Avenue. David Shelton became the town's first mayor and donated land for churches, parks and the Masonic Cemetery. In the 1890s, the Simpson Logging Company was formed. The timber industry is a mainstay of Shelton and the Simpson Timber Company continues to be major employer in Shelton and Mason County. On the Web: City of Shelton Shelton Mason County Chamber of Commerce Simpson Timber and Paper Co. The Olympian Copyright 2002 back to main Progress index

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