Friday, November 7, 2025
The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners approved a nearly $5.5 million contract with M.A. Mortenson Company of Kirkland for the scaled-back Courthouse Hill renovation project.
The decision came during the board's regular meeting, as part of the consent agenda on Tuesday, March 18.
The contract allows the interim director of central services to execute the agreement and any amendments not exceeding 10% of the total contract amount.
Thomas Strempke, capital project manager for central services, presented the contract award request to the commissioners, emphasizing the importance of the renovations in addressing courthouse space limitations.
“Thurston County offices and departments have outgrown the space currently available within the current courthouse buildings, and the buildings are in need of renovation to accommodate law and justice offices, and the courts located at 2000 Lakeridge (Drive) SW. Olympia, WA 98502,” a staff report on the issue states.
A progressive design-build contract was executed with M.A. Mortenson Company on June 27, 2023, for $1.5 million, exclusive of applicable taxes, for Phase 1A services.
Subsequent change orders extended the contract timeline and increased the budget, with Change Order 03 in January 2024 raising the total to $5,489,857 for completion through the construction documents phase.
On June 17, 2024, the board voted to suspend ongoing construction or renovation for 30 days to allow further research into space needs. By September 2024, staffers were directed to explore scaled-back renovation options.
On Jan. 8, 2025, staff presented three renovation options, recommending Option 3, which includes painting, carpet replacement, HVAC updates, wayfinding improvements and duress system upgrades.
Commissioner Tye Menser acknowledged the discussions leading to the approval.
"We've had many, many sessions regarding this project," he said.
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northbeachcomm
Thank you for this information regarding the Old Thurston County building on 2000 Lakeridge DR SW. That building has many different modules, and is in need of repair. I support repairing it! It is cheaper, better than a new building! It is a great location, there are many office buildings in that area, good parking, good services, great bus service. Thank you for investing in our future; a good building that will be used for decades. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
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