The Legislature directed DES to oversee work for Legislative Campus Modernization (LCM) to address space needs of legislative agencies and critical issues with the Irving R. Newhouse (Newhouse), Joel M. Pritchard State Library (Pritchard) and John L. O'Brien (O'Brien) buildings. The project will take place over the next several years. View the proviso language found in Section 1111 of the 2021 Capital Budget, SHB 1080.SL.

The scope of LCM is comprised of a series of subprojects located on different sites on the West Capitol Campus. In general, the first major step for each project was site analysis and design work. These steps included stakeholder engagement as well as technical studies. At this time, both the Newhouse and Pritchard are in the active phases of the project. Work on the O'Brien building will begin in 2026.

We are now publishing the LCM weekly update to keep campus tenants, visitors and local residents up-to-date on planned LCM construction work and how it impacts the campus.

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Ongoing closures

Columbia Street closure

DES has closed Columbia Street between Sid Snyder Avenue Southwest and 15th Avenue Southwest to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

Locations Impacted: There are no campus buildings in the immediate vicinity of Columbia. This stretch of road runs between the Newhouse Building replacement construction site and the former Visitor Center Parking Lot.

Pedestrian bridge reopens

DES is pleased to announce the reopening of the Pedestrian Bridge on Monday, Nov. 18. The bridge crosses Capitol Way and connects East Capitol Campus with West Capitol Campus.

Pedestrians entering and leaving the West Campus via the bridge need to be aware that there are still restricted areas as crews put the finishing touches on the Irving R. Newhouse Building. Restricted areas are clearly marked. Please avoid these areas.

The Pedestrian Bridge was closed shortly after the 2023 legislative session before demolition of the original Newhouse building. Construction of the new building began in the summer of 2023 and the building will open before the beginning of the 2025 legislative session.

For detailed information about the Newhouse and Pritchard projects, use the links below.

• Irv Newhouse Building replacement
• Joel Pritchard State Library

Click to enlarge.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I stay up to date on Legislative Campus Modernization (LCM) projects?

LCM produces a weekly update that outlines accomplishments and upcoming work on all projects. Subscribe to receive these Weekly Updates.

Why were the press houses (Carlyon House and Ayer House) removed?

The press houses were demolished to make room for DES to prepare the site to accommodate the construction of the Irv Newhouse Building replacement.

Why was the LCM predesign done, and how were its goals determined?

DES was directed to conduct the Legislative Campus Modernization predesign by the Legislature (ESSB 6248, Section 1027, Chapter 356, Laws of 2020 and ESSB 6095, Section 1035, Chapter 298, Laws of 2018). These legislative provisos identify the goals for the predesign, and appropriate funding for the predesign.

What does the LCM predesign identify for further study?

The Legislative Campus Modernization predesign examines options to replace the Irving R. Newhouse Building, replace or renovate the Joel M. Pritchard Building, and to renovate the third and fourth floors of the John L. O'Brien Building. It examines options to address life-safety concerns as well as issues with safety and security and failing operational systems. The analysis also includes options to maintain or increase the parking capacity of the Capitol Campus, meet net zero energy ready standards and an energy use intensity (EUI) of less than 35, and provide temporary office space during construction.

In addition to providing an alternatives analysis, the LCM predesign identifies design considerations that will require further investigation and analysis. In general, these include:

• Traffic, including a City of Olympia proposal to install a roundabout at the intersection of Capitol Way South, 14th Avenue Southeast and Sid Snyder Avenue Southwest as well as possible vacation of Columbia Street Southwest
• Development of a Department of Archeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) mitigation plan regarding historic structures and items
• Parking needs
• Onsite solar options
• Further geotechnical analysis
• Significant trees
• Site survey information regarding the visitor center
• Needs and timing regarding temporary facilities

The LCM predesign builds on a number of planning resources, like the 2017 State Capitol Development Study, which supplement the 2006 Master Plan. Learn more about the State Capitol Master Plan and supplemental planning resources here.

What are the issues with existing buildings?

Irv Newhouse Building

• The Irv Newhouse Building was built as a temporary structure in 1934, and needs to be replaced. Maintaining the building and troubleshooting problems with water leaks, a failing foundation, and a troublesome heat system has become increasingly expensive and challenging over the past two decades.
• Structural systems did not meet current code. Inadequate masonry anchorage created a safety hazard from falling brick at building exits.
• The building exterior did not meet current energy codes. It allowed rainwater to leak into the building. Water infiltrated exterior walls creates a life safety issue for electrical wiring and devices.
• Mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems did not meet current code.

Joel M Pritchard State Library

• The Joel M Pritchard State Library was completed in 1958. The 2017 State Capitol Development Study indicated that the facility has significant functional, health and life safety hazards that must be addressed. More than 60 percent of the building was constructed for book storage and cannot be used for office space. This portion of the building is vacant.
• Proximity to a steep and unstable slope, challenging soil properties, and an inadequate lateral resistance system, which increases the risk of failure during a seismic event resulting in a public safety concern.

John L. O'Brien Building

• The O'Brien Building was constructed in 1940, and comprehensively renovated in 2014.
• The interior design and locations of legislative assistant workstations leads to overcrowding when constituents visit their representatives during session, which compromises access, security and privacy.
• There is demand for additional hearing space, caucus rooms, space for interns and additional session staff, and storage space to support legislative functions of state government.