The Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES) announced on Thursday, October 31, that it plans to proceed with the demolition of the vacant General Administration Building on the north side of the West Capitol Campus in Olympia.
Following a 30-day public comment period and environmental review, DES concluded that demolishing the six-story building and replacing it with a temporary 293-stall parking lot and restrooms would not have a significant environmental impact.
According to the state agency, the building’s wiring, plumbing, and structural elements are no longer up to code, and the building is not fit to occupy. Renovating the building would also be more costly than replacing it.
The General Administration Building, designed by A. Gordon Lumm, is a significant example of Modernist architecture. Built in 1956, the 283,865-square-foot building was constructed to accommodate Olympia’s growing state workforce after World War II, according to DES. Its project description also states that it was the first major building completed on the capitol campus after the Great Depression.
While DES acknowledged that the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the listing does not provide any special protection, according to DES.
DES opened the project's environmental review for public review before issuing a notice to continue with the project on October 30.
During the public comment period, which ended on September 11, the agency received 11 comments.
One of those who submitted comments was the Olympia Historical Society, which expressed concern over the site's use as a temporary parking lot.
“The GA Building site occupies a key site not only for the Capitol Campus but also for the city of Olympia,” the organization wrote in their comment. “The ‘highest and best use’ for this site should not be a 293-parking lot if even on ‘temporary’ basis.”
The organization added that with the recent loss of other historic buildings on the campus, they worry the “temporary” parking lot could become permanent.
In response to the group’s comment, DES cited the 2017 State Capitol Development Study and 2006 State Capitol Master Plan, prioritizing public use and access to government services as the highest priority for Capitol Campus properties.
The 2017 study found that campus parking is inadequate to meet demand and that additional parking would benefit the campus.
“The current mothballed building has a $472,000 annual operating cost. Construction of the temporary parking lot serves the highest and best use for current campus needs and reduces operating costs, while planning continues on a new building at this location,” DES wrote in its response.
Other concerns for the project include the preservation of a mural in the building’s entry hall, which DES stated has already been moved to the Helen Sommers building in 2018, and the bronze seal on the building, which DES stated would be stored for restoration and future use.
Funding for the project is still ongoing. If successfully funded, demolition could begin in the summer of 2025.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was written by a human reporter with some assistance from artificial intelligence. Our team carefully reviewed and edited all information to ensure accuracy and relevance.
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pheong
if this small news source can't write articles without AI, it deserves not one penny. RIDICULOUS
Thursday, November 7 Report this
Acadian04
What's wrong with more parking? More parking is needed, especially during the legislative session. Less cruising the south capitol neighborhood in search of the elusive empty spot.
Thursday, November 7 Report this
PamelaJHanson
Thank you Olympia Historical Society. Most people don't have time, or have the willingness to be targeted ethics, to comment and be heard due to local commercial interests such as the profiteering over-budget union worker building, roads and politics 'infrastructure' industry (the Tumwater Municipal Golf Course and the Tumwater Trosper Roundabout, etc. - upwards and growing Millions of dollars). Most of us renovate what we have and adjust. I worked in that building. Most reasonable persons understand that renovating costs less than destruction and a rebuild. Thank you The Jolt.
(BTW, the 4th floor was reinforced for DOR scanning equipment when the B&O tax returns were automated after the lock box contract was signed, because it was cheaper than tearing the building down or moving.)
So, what bank is going to profit from this destruction effort and how much overspending is expected - or going to be accepted? Should anyone ask about our State's spending and taxing trends that includes leases instead of owning our own buildings to insulate against industry politics? Those may be excellent AI questions to ask, fact check and publish...
Thursday, November 7 Report this
DStusser
To pheong:
We'd be stupid fools to not experiment with artificial intelligence. Our reporter used an AI tool to discover the story and create a first draft. Then he revised 70% of the original draft and pulled from several additional sources to complete the story.
If you don't want to support us financially, that's your business. It's my business to tell you and everyone that you're getting a pretty good deal now: We produce three times the number of original local stories as any other source. Everything we produce is given to the public FREE.
More than half of our meager $200,000 expenses in 2024 came from national foundations and journalism organizations. That's kept us going, but eventually this boat will have to float on its own bottom, from local supporters. If you have suggestions about how to improve YOUR local nonprofit news organization, or questions, please call or email me.
Thursday, November 7 Report this
Acadian04
Build apartment building for legislators to rent. Charge extra for water views. Rent to tourists (Airbnb?) during non-session months, or to participants in off-session government activities. Frees up existing apartments in the area for year-round residents.
Thursday, November 7 Report this
Callie
I worked in that building, too. Of course we need parking, how about a lower level parking garage, and studios for legislative staffers/legislators above?
Friday, November 8 Report this
My very first job with the State was in this building - first & third floors, before the Agency moved out and rented space on Olympia's Westside.
Friday, November 8 Report this