DES completes environmental review for planned demolition of General Administration Building

Following a 30-day public comment period, DES will move forward in planning to demolish the General Administration Building, a six-story edifice standing vacant on the north side of Capitol Campus.

In a notice of action taken filed with the Department of Ecology on Oct. 30, DES says it has found no significant environmental impact to the six-story building's removal. Options to replace the building with a temporary parking lot and restrooms also would bring no significant environmental impact.

The notice followed a 30-day comment period on the environmental review. The public comment period ended Sept. 11.

In response to public comment, the Notice of Action Taken acknowledges the building's historic significance. The General Administration Building is an outstanding example of modernist design from the postwar period, built to accommodate Olympia's growing corps of state office workers.

Though it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places, its position there does not confer special protection.

Demolition is planned because:

• The building's wiring, plumbing, and structural elements no longer meet building code.
• The building is not fit to occupy. Anyone entering the building must wear personal protective equipment.
• Renovating the building would be more costly than replacing it.

Additional funding is needed to implement the plan. If funded, demolition could begin in summer 2025.

Read the Notice of Action Taken and DES' responses to public comments on the SEPA Environmental Review page.