Capitol Court Generator

Status: Construction begins early May 2022

DES is overseeing the installation of a new generator that will provide backup power to the Capitol Court building in the event of a power outage. The project begins in May 2022 and will be completed in two phases: Site preparation and generator installation. Work is estimated for completion in spring 2023.

Impacts

• Scheduled power outages. Building tenants will be given a minimum of two weeks’ notice ahead of any outages
• 4–6-week temporary parking closure affecting the building’s south parking lot
• Construction noise during pavement excavation and trench digging

Latest updates

• Site construction tentatively begins May 9, 2022
• Parking in the building’s south lot will be unavailable for 4-6 weeks, beginning in May.

Past Capitol Court projects

• 1989 Interior remodel for state use.
• 1990 Building mechanical systems upgrades.
• 2003 Tenant modifications addressing upgrades to the building’s mechanical systems as well as partitions between spaces and window repairs.
• 2020 Bureau of Tax Appeals office space renovation
• 2020 Cleaning and repair of the historic sandstone masonry, restoration of original wood windows
• 2021 Building exterior repairs to address water leaks

Building history

The building known as the Old Thurston County Courthouse, at the corner of 11th and Capitol Way, was erected in 1930 and designed by local architect Joseph Wohleb. In 1978 the courthouse functions were relocated to Olympia's Westside, leaving the building vacant until 1989 when the state entered into a partnership with Lorig Associates to renovate the facility. Renovation was completed in 1991.

Capitol Court was built of Tenino sandstone. The 50,000 square foot, reinforced concrete building stands four stories tall capped by a small rectangular tower and flanked by two story projecting wings. The historic interior features include floors and wainscot of marble, plaster cove ceilings and a grand staircase.

Capitol Court, the name by which the Old Thurston County Courthouse is currently known, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Olympia Heritage Register.

Learn more about the Capitol Court Building.