Frequently Asked Questions

It is no secret that Washington State is experiencing significant population growth. Planning officials and forecasters expect this trend to continue for the foreseeable future, Thurston County and the Yelm area are no exception. In 1990, the State of Washington mandated Washington counties and cities to make space for this anticipated urban growth in a well-conceived, thoughtful way while preserving rural areas. Thurston Highlands is a perfect example of this planning and the result is expected to be a vibrant community that compliments Yelm’s lifestyle in every way.

What is Thurston Highlands?
Thurston Highlands is a phased 1200-acre mixed use residential Master Planned Community.

Where is Thurston Highlands?
Thurston Highlands is situated between SR-507, SR-510 and Fort Lewis to the west. This is the area proposed as a NASCAR site. The acreage that makes up Thurston Highlands is part of the land that was annexed to the City of Yelm in July, 1994 as part of the Southwest Yelm Annexation. (map)

What is a Master Planned Community?
Master Planned Communities are large planned residential communities that typically feature a variety of neighborhoods, parks, recreational areas, schools, community shopping and a number of other amenities. Within a planned community there are a variety of home styles and price levels to choose from.

Does this fit within Yelm’s plan for growth?
The City of Yelm annexed the property during the same time period that it adopted its Growth Management Comprehensive Plan. The site has been 'zoned' for a Master Planned Community since its annexation and the adoption of the Comprehensive Plan, with the expectation that it would develop in a fashion similar to the Thurston Highlands proposal, with a mix of urban residential development, neighborhood commercial, and recreational.

How many residences will be built within Thurston Highlands?
Current plans and GMA requirements call for approximately 5000 residences of varying types and sizes developed over the next two decades.

When will this take place?
It is anticipated that the conceptual master plan process will take within 1-2 years after the conceptual plan is submitted. It is expected that construction may begin by early 2008. The entire development process is likely to take between 20 and 30 years.

How much will the homes cost?
This is a common question. However, due to market fluctuations that are likely to occur over the coming years, it is impossible to be certain about prices. However, it is safe to say that there will be a wide range of home sizes and styles, and prices will be competitively priced for the market.

What impacts will there be?
Through the conceptual master plan process, impacts will be identified and plans made to address and mitigate these impacts. We know one of the main impacts will be traffic. The Thurston Highlands plan provides an extension of Killian Blvd. to Route 507 through Route 510. The environmental review process will identify any additional mitigations required as conditions for approval.

Will Thurston Highlands impact the Yelm school district?
Yes. To accommodate additional students who live in Thurston Highlands, new schools will need to be built either within the Master Planned Community or mitigation requirements will be identified and implemented elsewhere in the City.

How will Thurston Highlands be served by public services and who will pay for them?
Under the Growth Management Act and City regulations, a development such as Thurston Highlands must pay for its fair share of infrastructure such as sewer, fire, public safety, parks, etc. as identified by an environmental impact study and the conceptual master plan.

Will there be commercial development in Thurston Highlands?
Yes. A certain percentage of land is being set aside for commercial uses such as shopping areas and other retail business activities to serve the new homes.

How will the new development affect Yelm’s existing retail businesses?
A recent retail trade study performed for the City of Yelm by E.D. Hovee & Company suggests that existing retail outlets will likely benefit greatly from additional shoppers living in the new development.

Will there be faith-based opportunities?
Yes. As with the other land use set asides it is anticipated that several faith-based opportunities will be available within the Master Planned Community.

Will Thurston Highlands Bring Additional Job Opportunities to Yelm?
Yes. It is anticipated that Thurston Highlands will bring with it job and business opportunities as the economy dictates.

Will Thurston Highlands bring new recreational opportunities to the area?
Yes. Current plans call for a regional sports park with a number of soccer and baseball fields, as well as a trail system that connects to the established Thurston County trail system. A host of other amenities such as tennis courts, basketball courts and skate parks are under discussion. Bringing such opportunities to people of all ages is a key element to the overall vision for Thurston Highlands.

Who is developing Thurston Highlands?
Thurston Highlands Associates, LLC includes local owners Doug Bloom and Steve Chamberlain. For those of you who know them they are passionate about shaping the future of Yelm. Both Doug and Steve have developed numerous residential and commercial properties throughout Western Washington. They are currently working on another smaller master plan called Tahoma Terra located in Yelm at the end of Longmire and Berry Valley. They also recently purchased and are in the process of renovating Tahoma Valley Golf & Country Club (formerly Nisqually Valley Golf Course).

Will there be Open Houses?
A series of public open houses are planned for Spring, 2006. The next open house is scheduled for May 18 from 5:00pm-8:00pm at Yelm Middle School.

How can I learn more?
Visit the project website at www.thurstonhighlands.com or the City of Yelm website at www.ci.yelm.wa.us.