Courthouse and Regional Administrative Buildings Project
Project Updates
Local Media Coverage
Thurston County moves forward with closing $34.9M real estate deal in Olympia - The Olympia (10/03/2025)
Thurston board OKs $34.9 million real-estate deal in downtown Olympia for county campus - The Olympian (8/1/2025)
County News Releases
July 30, 2025 - The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners today approved a major step forward by entering into a purchase and sale agreement for multiple buildings on a seven-acre site in downtown Olympia, after years of assessing facility needs, listening to input from the community and employees, and exploring cost-effective options. This action starts the clock on a due diligence process before finalizing the sale, and honors community feedback to improve courthouse security and integrate county services.
The county plans to turn the site — near Plum Street and 8th Ave. SE — into a regional center for justice and public services — improving access in a centralized, accessible location designed to meet the region’s growing needs. The four well-maintained buildings offer plenty of parking for visitors and staff, convenient access to Interstate 5, improved connections to public transit, and room for future growth.
“Today’s announcement marks a major milestone, but it’s just the beginning of a new chapter,” said Board of County Commissioners Chair Tye Menser. “This property gives us the space and flexibility to grow with our community. As we move forward, we’re committed to a thoughtful, transparent planning process that includes our residents, employees, and partners every step of the way.”
The acquisition follows the Board’s January 2025 decision to scale renovation plans for the aging courthouse campus at 2000 Lakeridge Drive SE in Olympia as an interim, fiscally responsible approach to the security and service challenges experienced by the courts.
At the same time, staff continued exploring long-term solutions to fully address the courts’ space and security needs. As part of this effort, the county issued a Request of Expression of Interest—a competitive process that invited proposals from property owners. Through this process, a motivated seller presented a downtown site that met the county’s specific criteria. Real estate investment experts were consulted to evaluate long-term costs, confirming that acting now provides substantial savings to taxpayers over time.
“Our existing courthouse campus was originally designed for a county population half our current size, with fewer services and a far simpler mandate. Times have changed,” said Commissioner Wayne Fournier. “Our population has grown, and county government now provides more support and programming to a much larger, more diverse community. We’re working hard to invest in a new facility that’s affordable to acquire, cost-effective to maintain, and accessible to all residents.”
The $34.9 million purchase will allow for a phased move of law and justice services to downtown Olympia and the potential sale of the county’s courthouse campus properties. Additional plans would include moving County Administrative Services, currently being provided at the Atrium at 3000 Pacific Ave., to the new county-owned location to maximize service delivery for the community.
“Thurston County is an amazing community that continues to grow. The courts serve an important role here. The Superior Court judges are committed to partnering with the Board of County Commissioners to ensure that every person who comes through our doors—including jurors, litigants, community members, and staff — find a safe and accessible courthouse that can serve all the needs of our community,” said Presiding Judge John Skinder.
County officials plan to use remaining funds from a previous bond to make the purchase and expressed appreciation for the Board’s foresight, noting that this early investment has positioned the county to act on today’s opportunity.
“We are responsible for operating community and residential services for the sixth-largest county in the state, we understand the critical need for a cost-conscious, sustainable, and community-accessible site plan,” said Commissioner Rachel Grant.
“Keeping old buildings that weren’t built for how we work today doesn’t make sense for taxpayers,” said Commissioner Carolina Mejia. “This is a chance to bring services together under one roof, make things easier for the public, and save money in the long run. It’s not just about having a new space, it’s about doing our jobs better and making government work for the people.”
As the county looks to centralize services at its new location, leaders are already turning their attention to next steps, including comprehensive space planning and community input processes to support continued transparency and to ensure the new space supports, court operations, public services, and the people visiting and working there. The process includes:
- additional due diligence on the property before closing
- engagement with internal departments, elected offices, and the judiciary
- public updates and input opportunities
- phased transition plans
“This campus approach is a people-first investment: it streamlines how residents access services, strengthens safety and ADA services, and preserves flexibility as we secure a new courthouse space,” said Commissioner Emily Clouse. “I look forward to hearing input from the community as we shape each step with our stakeholders in an open, collaborative process.”
The opportunity to purchase downtown property and buildings will ultimately move the courts into a more secure, service-oriented location, and reduce a major lease cost for administrative services — ensuring that the justice system and county services operate in a manner that is accessible, efficient, and reflective of the values of all Thurston County residents.
“With clear direction from the Board and other elected officials, today’s announcement is just the beginning of a shared vision for Thurston County,” said County Manager Leonard Hernandez. “This property gives us the flexibility to responsibly grow with our community and honor the dedication of our justice partners and county staff.”
Voices from Across the County:
Thurston County Prosecutor Jon Tunheim: “The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is excited about this step forward toward bringing our team together in a safe and functional space to better serve our community. We will continue to collaborate with the Board and the other county offices and departments to make this vision a reality.”
Director of Public Defense Patrick O'Connor: “Thurston County Public Defense continues to support the Board’s approach to addressing longstanding concerns about our courthouses. The scaled-back updates to the existing facilities allow us to continue to serve the community while this phased approach prepares us for a brighter future.”
District Court Executive Officer Frankie Peters: “The courthouse options provided present opportunity, offering solutions that will be able to more effectively meet the needs of our community members and those that provide support to everyone seeking these important county services. Workloads and service levels have continued to increase, and the existing, deteriorating structure does not support what our community deserves – an accessible, safe, and functional space that provides trust and confidence in the services delivered. District Court is looking forward to our ongoing partnership with the Board and the coordination of positive, responsible, and thoughtful options that respect and serve our community.”
Pretrial Services Director Carrie Hennen: “Pretrial Services is pleased to partner with the Board in this long-term plan for improving the courthouse for our community, law and justice partners, and staff.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I have heard these buildings are as old as the 45-year-old buildings on Courthouse Hill. Why does it make sense to buy buildings as old as the ones you are leaving?
A: The downtown buildings we’ve identified were designed and constructed to a higher quality standard than the Courthouse Hill buildings, with more substantial floor loading capacity and LEED Interiors Certification (Buildings 1 and 2). Additionally, substantial upgrades and remodels have been completed over the years, and many of the floors are move-in ready.
Q: There is a map that shows this property and its buildings are in a liquefaction zone built on fill. When the next big earthquake comes, what is preventing them from falling?
A: Like many of the structures in downtown Olympia, these buildings were constructed on structural piles.
Q: I heard Moxlie Creek flows underneath these buildings. Will it flood or erode the ground the buildings are on?
A: The stream is fully contained in a large pipe that flows out to Puget Sound.
Q: I worked in these buildings 20 years ago - there was a problem with mold and rats in buildings 3 and 6. What has been done to address this problem?
A: The roof and exterior of the buildings have been repaired and maintained to prevent leaks and eliminate mold. Facilities Management has conducted routine pest control, a typical practice in the downtown area. Additionally, many of the buildings have been remodeled for new tenants over the years.
Q: Where is the County getting the money to buy and renovate these buildings, at the same time they’re discussing budget cuts?
A: The County is using a bond that was initiated several years ago to address facility and space needs for the courts, law and justice, and general government functions. The bond can only be used for the purchase or renovation of property and must be used by October 2025 or incur arbitrage penalties. The County’s budget cuts are due to underperforming revenues and continued inflationary pressures on ongoing expenses, and this bond cannot be used to address the budgetary situation.
Q: There is never enough parking. How is this going to be addressed?
A: As part of the County’s due diligence investigation of the property, we will be working with the seller and City of Olympia to create a Boundary Line Adjustment to ensure code compliant parking.
Q: Is $34.9 million a good price?
A: An independent commercial real estate firm specializing in property investment completed a comprehensive analysis of each building and the associated property. Along with the County’s own review of the pricing, this external review of the purchase has proven that this is an exceptional deal for the County and taxpayers.
Q: Did the county conduct a feasibility study for this project?
A: Yes. The county has been assessing the community’s expanding needs and exploring facilities and costs to provide right-sized solutions for many years, beginning in 2018. This planning process - which included review and recommendations by independent real-estate experts - led to the decision to scale back a previous, more extensive renovation plan for the aging courthouse campus and to put out an expression of interest for additional locations.
Q: Was there a thorough due diligence conducted on the property?
A: Yes. The due diligence process included a thorough inspection and assessment of the buildings. It began in August 2025, is ongoing and will be completed before a final decision is made about the purchase.
Q: How will the purchase and renovation be funded?
A: The $34.9 million purchase will be funded using remaining funds from a previous bond that is restricted for use on county facilities. The remaining money from the bond will be used to prepare the site for move-in. This funding approach will not impact the county's general fund.
Q: Has the community had an opportunity to weigh in on the process? Will opportunities for input continue?
A: Yes. Beginning in 2018 the community was engaged in a site selection process – the current location is directly across the street from the community’s preferred location.
Background and History
On June 17, the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) voted to suspend ongoing construction or renovation at the courthouse campus for 30 days and form a subcommittee to research options to address building and space needs. The scope of renovations planned for the site would not address the long-term needs of the county.
The subcommittee consists of Commissioners Wayne Fournier, Carolina Mejia, and Emily Clouse. Commissioner Fournier was selected as chair. The subcommittee will make recommendations to the full board after the 30-day research period. To date, no decisions have been made regarding site selection or constructing a new courthouse.
The subcommittee is holding weekly meetings to explore options for space and facility needs which may differ from the current project plan of renovating the Thurston County Courthouse Campus.
Previous Meetings:
Friday, June 28, 2024
- Research and present information on potential methods of funding projects to provide more space and address physical issues at the current buildings.
- Research and present information on what it would take to keep the current courthouse campus buildings useable for the next several years as the county plans out a more long-term solution.
Friday, July 5, 2024
- Facility needs - Despite several upgrades to the current courthouse facility over the years, there are significant mechanical and operational needs that must be addressed for the courthouse to continue operating. Significant architectural needs include roof replacement and outdated and poor performing HVAC systems, along with outdated technology.
- Options for consideration - The subcommittee heard potential hybrid options to consider for the courthouse project, including new construction, lease to own, or establishing a public private partnership.
- Related costs – The subcommittee was informed of potential costs associated with a new construction project. The cost projects only include the design and construction, assuming the construction occurs during 2028.
Thursday, July 11, 2024
- District and Superior Court provided an update on their current space needs and addressed the amount of courtrooms needed to manage the increasing caseloads. The courthouse has reached its capacity, and as the county has grown, those courts, offices and departments have outgrown the current space available. The courthouse was built in the 1970s, when Thurston County’s population was about half its current size. The campus is more than 15 years past its life expectancy.
- While the Chandler Court Courtroom has alleviated some case load needs, it is not enough to manage the needs of the courts. District Court expressed five courtrooms would enhance the court system’s ability to manage caseloads.
Friday, July 26, 2024 – 3:00pm - CANCELLED
Friday, August 2, 2024 - 1:00pm
All meetings are open to the public and will be recorded by Zoom.
For more information, including to request recordings of subcommittee meetings, please contact Amy Davis, Clerk of the Board, at amy.davis@co.thurston.wa.us.
Thurston County is growing, and with that growth comes a need for more capacity to continue to provide exceptional public service to the community. To support this, the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) voted 2-1 to move forward with a lease of The Atrium at 3000 Pacific Avenue in Olympia to house the county’s general government operations. The seven-year lease with the property owner will begin April 1, 2022. Once general government operations move to The Atrium, the county will make improvements to the buildings located at 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW in Olympia.
The seven-year lease will cost $1.5 to $1.8 million, or $17.50 per square foot, and commits the county to seven years with an opportunity to extend the lease term by additional years. The current market value in Olympia for similar office buildings is between $24 and $27 per square foot. This savings will help the county save more than $4 million in taxpayer dollars per a seven-year term. The proposed moves are:
The Atrium (3000 Pacific Avenue, Olympia) General Government Building
Assessor's Office
Auditor's Office
Board of County Commissioners (incl. Board Room)
Board of Equalization
Board of Health
Budget and Accounting Support Services (BASS)
Central Services Admin
Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED)
Geodata
Human Resources
Information Technology
Public Works Development Review
Public Health & Social Services Environmental Health Permit Review
Treasurer's Office
2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, Olympia (proposed)
Building 1:
Clerk’s Office
Pre-Trial Services
Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (Criminal and Civil Divisions)
Building 2:
Superior Court
Building 3:
District Court
Building 4:
Public Defense
Buildings 5:
Sheriff’s Office
Buildings 6:
Resource HUB
Drug Court
The leasing of the Atrium is 'Plan B'. In 2018, Thurston County and The City of Olympia began collaborating on a project to build a new Thurston County Courthouse and Regional Administrative Building. Through a feasibility study, the BoCC narrowed down three of 12 sites for evaluation. These sites were the current Hilltop Campus, a undeveloped property on Harrison Street, and the City of Olympia's Leigh Crieghton Justice Center on Plum Street. The BoCC selected the Plum Street location in a 2-1 vote.
The proposal was intended to go forward to Thurston County citizens for approval as a ballot measure on Tuesday, April 28, 2020. If approved, the property tax on a $300,000 house would have been about $12 more per month; the cost to build the new facilities was estimated at $250 million.
This cost would have been funded by an increase to the county’s 2021 regular property tax levy, to a total authorized rate of $1.56 per $1,000 valuation. The 2021 levy would have been used as the base for subsequent levy limitations for a total of 25 years. The increase exempted qualified seniors/disabled/veterans from the levy.
However, the BoCC voted unanimously to rescind the ballot measure on March 18, 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, the BoCC directed the county manager to begin exploring other options to support space needs. In March 2021, the county manager presented the board with the proposal to increase office space with a leasing strategy and moving general government out of the Courthouse Complex.
Ordinance Adopted February 4, 2020
Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
Ordinance Adopted November 12, 2019
Courthouse Feasibility Study Final Report 2018_Update (Posted 10/21/2019)
Courthouse Feasibitlity Study Final Report 2018
Ordinance Adopted April 30, 2019
2016 Courthouse Conditions Study
Courthouse Renderings (Reflects what buildings may look like, not what they will actually look like)
Recording of January 15 Briefing
Recording of January 10 Briefing
Draft Site Options - January 10, 2019
Recording of December 13 Briefing
2015 Comprehensive Feasibility Plan on Current Courthouse Complex
Harrison West Site - Images
Harrison West Site - Narrative
Hill Top Site - Images
Hill Top Site - Narrative
Plum Street Site - Images
Plum Street Site - Narrative
Recording of the October 16, 2018 session at the Olympia Center - Site Criteria
Recording of the November 6, 2018 session at the Lacey Community Center - Layout Options