Renovation budget slashed to $5.5M for Thurston County Courthouse

By Kameko Marquez 

The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) has signaled support for a scaled-back renovation plan for the aging Courthouse Hill complex, reducing the project cost from an initial $40 million to $5.5 million. 

While no formal approval was given during the Wednesday, Jan.8, BoCC work session, commissioners reached a consensus on moving forward with the comprehensive option. 

“The first time this was looked at in terms of remodeling Courthouse Hill, the expenditures were in the $40 million area, and that just wasn’t palpable to the Board of County Commissioners at that time,” Assistant County Manager Josh Cummings said. 

 The original $40 million plan 

The initial proposal to renovate the courthouse cost $40 million. It aimed to overhaul the complex, add new courtrooms, and improve security and accessibility. 

However, the plan faced pushback from the public and the BoCC, who worried about the cost. 

County Manager Leonard Hernandez acknowledged the BoCC’s approach, which he said has been impactful in the planning process. 

“Your decision to be unified on this issue has really helped and bolstered the stakeholders who have looked to you for leadership and direction, and has allowed us to have conversations about where we should go next,” Hernandez said. 

In response to the cost concerns, county officials worked on a scaled-back plan with three options ranging from $2.4 million to $4.4 million, plus $1 million for roof repairs. 

 The new $5.5M plan 

The scaled-back plan includes $4.4 million in repairs and an additional $1 million for roof work to improve the building’s exterior appearance. 

According to Hernandez, the options presented were as follows: 

Option one

The first option, estimated at $2.4 million, targets minimal repairs and maintenance for a continued operation for five to seven years. 

The repairs include: 

• Building One: Paint, carpet replacement, HVAC improvements and ADA restroom components. 
• Building Two (Courthouse 102): Paint, carpet replacement, duress buttons for safety, HVAC improvements and wayfinding enhancements. 
• Building Three: Paint, carpet replacement, duress buttons and HVAC improvements. 
• Buildings Four and Five: Limited to minor touch-ups and staff relocations as needed. 

“Even though the physical lifespan of the building has passed its useful life, we want to extend the operational lifespan of the current courthouse complex for five, seven years,” Hernandez said. 

Option two

The second option increases the scope of repairs and upgrades, estimated at $3.6 million. 

The improvements include: 

• Building One: In addition to paint and carpet, this option includes more comprehensive HVAC upgrades and enhanced ADA restroom accessibility. 

• Building Two: Similar improvements as in Building One, along with duress buttons and additional safety measures. 

• Building Three: Expanded repairs, including new doors, and additional wayfinding improvements. 

• Building Four and Five: Basic paint touch-ups and minor repairs. 

Cummings explained that this option balances immediate needs with future considerations. 

“The needs, the recommendation that staff is making, is that to meet all the needs of the stakeholders at this juncture, we go with the $4.4 million,” said Cummings in referencing the third option. 

 Option three

The third option, at $4.4 million, represents the most comprehensive renovation plan. 

Staff also recommended allocating $1 million for roof repairs to improve the building’s exteriors. 

The scope of work for this option includes: 

• Building One: Full paint and carpet replacement, HVAC upgrades, ADA restroom enhancements and wayfinding improvements. 

• Building Two: Similar to Building One, with additional safety measures like duress buttons. 

• Building Three: Includes all repairs listed in previous options, plus new doors and exterior touch-ups. 

• Building Four and Five: More significant paint and cleaning work to enhance the overall appearance. 

“The mansard roof, the orange-peeling roof, is something that is just an eyesore when you go to the campus at the first walk-through,” Cummings said. 

Hernandez emphasized the impact of the roof repair. 

“The buildings look dilapidated, and it creates a very distinct and demoralized situation because the buildings look dilapidated,” he said. “It wasn’t asked for, but it has been mentioned every time I’ve toured the facility.” 

According to the officials, the Courthouse Hill complex has surpassed its useful lifespan, prompting the need for immediate repairs. 

Judges and staff have voiced the need for improvements to outdated infrastructure. 

“The stakeholders have been extremely accommodating and looking at just what their needs are, not what their wants are,” Hernandez said.

“I’ve been extremely proud of the judges for coming together as a team to say, ‘We are willing to forego some of our needs today for a long-term plan.’” 

BoCC’s stance

The BoCC supported a $5.5 million renovation plan to address the aging infrastructure. 

Commissioner Carolina Mejia stressed the need to prioritize roof repairs as part of the plan, while Commissioner Wayne Fournier pointed to the importance of securing long-term value for taxpayers. 

Newly appointed Commissioner Rachel Grant noted the effort made by county staff to bring her up to speed on the project’s scope and advocated her support for the recommended plan. 

Commissioner Emily Clouse praised staff for their responsiveness and for presenting cost-effective solutions to address the courthouse’s concerns. 

 Community engagement, public trust 

In terms of public involvement, county officials outlined a strategy to engage stakeholders in the renovation process.  

“The opportunity we’d have is at our next meeting on the 21st, where we would recommend the board’s consideration for a proclamation where stakeholders would come out and provide comments,” Hernandez said. 

Commissioner Tye Menser stressed the importance of ensuring that the stakeholders, particularly judges, support the plan, noting that their input is essential to the project’s success. 

County officials also proposed issuing a press release to keep residents informed and build public trust. 

While no formal approval has been given, the direction from the BoCC allows staff to begin taking steps to move the project forward. 

The next processes include: 

• Jan. 21: The BoCC is expected to consider a proclamation, with stakeholders invited to provide input. A press release is planned to follow if the board adopts the proclamation. 

• March 4: County staff aim to finalize contracts with contractors by early March. 

• Fall 2025: Renovation work is expected to begin, with office relocations scheduled to take place by fall 2025.