By Kameko Marquez
The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) has signaled its support for a scaled-back renovation plan for the aging Courthouse Hill complex, reducing the project cost to $5.5 million from an original $40 million.
Although no formal approval was given during the BoCC work session on Wednesday, January 8, commissioners reached a consensus to move forward with the comprehensive option.
“When this was first considered in terms of redeveloping Courthouse Hill, the expense was about $40 million, and that was just not noticeable to the Board of County Commissioners at that time,” the deputy said County manager Josh Cummings.
The original $40 million plan
The First suggestion The courthouse renovation cost $40 million. The goal was to overhaul the complex, add new courtrooms and improve security and accessibility.
However, the plan failed recoil from the public and the BoCC who were concerned about the costs.
County Manager Leonard Hernandez acknowledged the BoCC's approach, which he said has impacted the planning process.
“Your decision to be united on this issue has truly helped and empowered the stakeholders who looked to you for leadership and leadership. She allowed us to have conversations about where we should go next,” Hernandez said.
In response to cost concerns, district officials worked on one reduced plan with three options ranging from $2.4 million to $4.4 million, plus $1 million for roof repairs.
The new $5.5 million plan
The reduced plan That includes $4.4 million in repairs and an additional $1 million in roof work to improve the building's exterior appearance.
According to Hernandez, the following options were presented:
Option one
The first option, estimated at $2.4 million, targets minimal repairs and maintenance for continued operation for five to seven years.
The repairs include:
- Building one: Paint, carpet replacement, HVAC improvements and ADA toilet components.
- Building two (Courthouse 102): Paint, carpet replacement, emergency call buttons for safety, HVAC improvements and wayfinding improvements.
- Building three: Paint, carpet replacement, emergency buttons and HVAC improvements.
- Buildings four and five: Limited to minor improvements and staff relocations as needed.
“Although the physical life of the building has already passed, we want to extend the operational life of the current courthouse complex by five, seven years,” Hernandez said.
Option two
The second option increases the scope of repairs and upgrades, estimated at $3.6 million.
Improvements include:
- Building one: In addition to paint and carpet, this option includes more comprehensive HVAC upgrades and improved ADA restroom accessibility.
- Building two: Similar improvements to Building One, along with threat buttons and additional security measures.
- Building three: Advanced repairs including new doors and additional wayfinding improvements.
- Buildings four and five: Basic paint touch-ups and minor repairs.
Cummings explained that this option balances immediate needs with future considerations.
“The need, the staff recommendation, is that we go for $4.4 million to meet all the needs of the stakeholders at this time,” Cummings said of the third option.
Option three
The third option represents the most comprehensive renovation plan at $4.4 million.
Staff also recommended allocating $1 million for roof repairs to improve the building's exterior.
The scope of work of this option includes:
- Building one: Complete paint and carpet replacement, HVAC upgrades, ADA restroom improvements and wayfinding improvements.
- Building two: Similar to Building One, with additional security measures such as emergency buttons.
- Building three: Includes all repairs listed in previous options, plus new doors and exterior touch-ups.
- Buildings four and five: Major painting and cleaning work to improve overall appearance.
“The mansard roof, the orange roof, is just an eyesore when you first walk into campus,” Cummings said.
Hernandez emphasized the impact of the roof repair.
“The buildings look dilapidated and it creates a very peculiar and demoralized situation because the buildings look dilapidated,” he said. “It wasn’t asked about, but it was mentioned every time I toured the facility.”
Officials say the Courthouse Hill complex has exceeded its useful life, requiring immediate repairs.
Judges and staff have expressed the need to improve aging infrastructure.
“Stakeholders were extremely accommodating and listened only to their needs, not their wants,” Hernandez said.
“I was very proud of the jury for coming together as a team and saying, 'Today we are willing to forego some of our needs for a long-term plan.'”
BoCC's attitude
The BoCC supported a $5.5 million renovation plan to overhaul aging infrastructure.
Commissioner Carolina Mejia emphasized the need to prioritize roof repairs as part of the plan, while Commissioner Wayne Fournier noted the importance of securing long-term value for taxpayers.
Newly appointed Commissioner Rachel Grant noted county staff's efforts to keep her informed about the scope of the project and expressed support for the recommended plan.
Commissioner Emily Clouse praised staff for their responsiveness and for presenting cost-effective solutions to address the court's concerns.
Community engagement, public trust
With public participation in mind, county officials outlined a strategy to engage stakeholders in the renovation process.
“The opportunity we would have would be at our next meeting on the 21st where we would recommend to the board to consider a proclamation where stakeholders would appear and provide comments,” Hernandez said.
Commissioner Tye Menser emphasized the importance of ensuring that stakeholders, particularly judges, support the plan, noting that their input is critical to the success of the project.
County officials also suggested issuing a news release to keep residents informed and build public trust.
Although no formal approval has been given, the BoCC's directive allows staff to take steps to move the project forward.
The next processes include:
- January 21st: The BoCC is expected to consider a proclamation inviting stakeholders to provide input. The plan is to issue a press release if the board adopts the proclamation.
- March 4th: The district employees want to conclude the contracts with the contractors by the beginning of March.
- Fall 2025: Renovations are expected to begin and office moves are expected to occur by fall 2025.