Jacob Smith House
Curb View
Garden Walkway
Outdoor Seating
Front Walkway & Porch
Main Room
Reception Area
Fireplace Nook
Carriage House
Bay Window
Main Room in Rounds
Service Kitchen
Jacob Smith House
Rentals
This civil war-era structure, constructed in 1859, is the oldest residence in Lacey and one of the oldest homes in Thurston County. It features 3 acres of park-like grounds. Available on a rental basis for weddings, receptions, seminars, and retreats.
A Piece of Local History….
Constructed prior to the Civil War in 1859, the Jacob Smith House is the oldest home in Lacey and one of the oldest residences in Thurston County. The Greek Revival-style structure, with its signature square water tower, is located in Lacey Corporate Center at 4500 Intelco Loop, SE. It is listed on the city and state registers of historic places.
The house, situated on the crest of a small hill with a commanding view of Mt. Rainier, was the centerpiece of a prosperous 440-acre spread where Jacob Smith and his wife Priscilla raised seven children, wheat, and a large number of sheep. One of their great-grandchildren became a famous crooner named Bing Crosby—their oldest daughter, Cordelia Jane Smith, married Nathaniel Crosby III of Tumwater in a wedding ceremony held at the home in 1860.
The residence remained in the Smith family until 1955, when it was sold to Robert Wohleb, son of famed architect Joseph Wohleb. For many years, the Wohlebs used the house as a country retreat. Robert’s widow, Elizabeth, continued to own the home until 1985.
Newspaper accounts from the mid-1890’s reported that the Smith residence was “noted for its hospitality and good cheer” and served as the scene of many social gatherings in the community. More than a century later, the house once again serves this function hosting weddings, reunions, meetings and retreats.
Main & Carriage House Rental Rates
Rates effective January 1, 2023
Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is prepared to help make your meeting, reception, or family gathering a success, and will be available the day of your event to assist with room set-up. A small service kitchen is included with rental of the Main House, and is equipped with a range, refrigerator, and coffee pots that will support small group functions (many excellent catering services are available in the surrounding area). Rental of the main house also includes use of the park-like grounds.
Audiovisual equipment and other support items are available for nominal fees.
All rates are subject to change without notice.
Weekday Rental Rates
Rates available Monday through Thursday, 7AM – 10PM., Fridays 7AM – Noon.
| Room Usage | Hourly Rate | Rental Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Regular | $88 Per Hour | 3 Hours |
| Non-Profit / Public Agency | $53 Per Hour | 3 Hours |
| Commercial | $176 Per Hour | 3 Hours |
Weekend Rental Rates
Rates available Fridays 1PM – Midnight, Saturdays 7AM – Midnight and Sundays 7AM – 10PM.
| Room Usage | Hourly Rate | Rental Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Regular | $115 Per Hour | 6 Hours |
| Non-Profit / Public Agency | $115 Per Hour | 6 Hours |
| Commercial | $230 Per Hour | 6 Hours |
Commercial use is defined as a function for the sale or promotion of goods and/or services, or for conducting the business of or training of a private organization.
Equipment Rental Rates
Sales Tax of 9.4% will be charged on all Equipment Rentals.
Audiovisual & Meeting Equipment
| Item | Total Available | Daily Price |
|---|---|---|
| LCD Projector | 1 | $50 Per Day |
| Projector Screen | 1 | No Charge |
| Lectern | 1 | No Charge |
| Easel | 2 | No Charge |
| Portable Sound System | 1 | $50 Per Day |
| Microphone | 1 | $15 Per Day |
Banquet Supplies
| Item | Total Available | Daily Price |
|---|---|---|
| Folding Chairs | 100 | Included |
| 60″ Round Tables | 12 | Included |
| 6′ Folding Tables | 12 | Included |
General Policy Statement
The Jacob Smith House, when not in use for Parks and Recreation Department sponsored or co-sponsored activities, will be made available for a fee to groups for events and activities consistent with the rules and regulations of the Park Board. The Jacob Smith House will not be made available to any group or organization that promotes discrimination, or has a record of discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, gender, marital status, age, sexual orientation, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability. Permission to use the facility does not constitute an endorsement of a group’s philosophies, policies or beliefs. Reservations are on a first paid, first served basis.
Cancellation Policy
There will be a $50.00 cancellation fee for weekday reservations and $100.00 cancellation fee for weekend reservations. Cancellations made 90 days or less before the reserved date will result in the loss of the entire damage deposit. Cancellations made less than fourteen (14) days in advance of the reserved date will result in charges of the full rental fee. No refunds will be given due to inclement weather or violation of facility rules and regulations.
Definitions
Commercial Use: A gathering for sale or promotion of goods and services, or conducting business/training of a private organization. Any other use shall be defined as “social.”
Deposit: An amount paid in advance of an event to secure a rental and to insure proper cleanup, and to cover breakage, loss or damage. Reservations will not be booked without payment of the deposit.
Room Fee: The fee charged for use of a room. Rental occupancy exceeding the scheduled rental time will be charged in 30 minute increments, always rounding up to the full 30 minute increment.
Staff Fee: The fee charged for staffing the facility to accommodate a rental.
Facility Usage Rules
Making Reservations
Reservations for space will be accepted in person at Lacey City Hall or by phone (no online reservations accepted) and must be approved in writing by the Jacob Smith House Manager or the manager’s designated representative. The date is reserved when deposit or payment is received. Reservations for full fee private use may be made a maximum of fifteen months prior to the desired date.
Reservations for other uses are outlined in the complete Jacob Smith House Rental Policies and Procedures manual in Section IV.
Refunds
No refunds will be given due to inclement weather or violation of facility rules and regulations.
Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic beverages are permitted in the banquet facility and outside patio area. Requests for the use of alcohol must be made at the time of application. A banquet permit is required. Non-Profit organizations wishing to sell alcohol at a fundraiser will need a Special Occasion License.
No alcoholic beverage shall be served to any person under 21 years of age.
Injuries caused to or by any person as a result of alcoholic beverages being served or consumed on the City’s property, or arising off the City property, or as a result of alcohol being available on City property shall be the sole responsibility of the organization, its sponsor and/or adult representative.
Insurance
The City of Lacey may require the applicant to carry insurance coverage and pay for certified security if, in the opinion of the city, the event warrants such requirements.
Liability
The City of Lacey will not accept liability for injury to users, loss of personal property, or damage to property of the group or an individual.
Minors & Adult Supervision
Groups composed of minors shall be supervised by one adult (18 years of age or older) per 20 juveniles at all times while using the Jacob Smith House.
Application for use of the facility must be made by the adult who will be responsible for and in attendance at the activity.
Decorations
Any decorating or other alterations to the existing facilities will be subject to prior approval of the Jacob Smith House Manager or the Manager’s representative. No objects are to be suspended or attached to ceilings, walls, or windows without prior written approval. Use of any open flame or non-fireproof materials is, as a general rule, not permissible in any public building.
No objects are to be attached to floors by any method, and no materials are to be applied to floors without prior written approval.
Rice, birdseed, confetti, etc. is not permitted inside the building or on the grounds.
Smoking
No smoking of any kind is permitted inside the Jacob Smith House or within 25 feet of building entrances.
Tour The Jacob Smith House
Thinking that our venue might be right for your event? Take the next step and take a tour! You can do this in person and using the online virtual tour below.
In Person
Please call during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8AM-5PM to set up an appointment to view the facility.
(360) 491-0857
Online
Start A Reservation
Ready to reserve a space? Please fill out the form below to get started and one of our staff will respond to your inquiry in approximately 3 business days.
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Further questions about your inquiry or our facilities can be directed to: