Submitted by Thurston County
Recognizing the critical need for a modern and functional courthouse to serve the justice needs of our community, Thurston County is committed to a fiscally responsible and transparent approach to courthouse improvements.
“I am pleased with the collaborative effort that has gone into developing this scaled-back renovation plan. By working closely with our justice partners and considering community input, we are making responsible decisions that will improve our courthouse facilities and better serve the needs of our community,” said Board of County Commissioners Chair Tye Menser.
“I am proud that as a Board, we are committed to moving Thurston County forward in a way that reflects both our current needs and future growth. This scaled-back renovation of the Courthouse Hill buildings is a step away from past approaches, prioritizing fiscal responsibility while setting the stage for a more sustainable, forward-thinking plan that will serve our community for generations to come. We are excited to engage with residents as we plan for a future that meets the evolving needs of our county,” said Commissioner Wayne Fournier.
“The Board of County Commissioners respects community members and is committed to ensuring governmental services are provided in buildings that are safe, secure, functional, and environmentally responsible. We look forward to proceeding on a scaled-back renovation of the courthouse hill buildings, and engaging with residents to explore options for a future courthouse that meets the needs of our growing community,” said Commissioner Rachel Grant.
“This scaled-back renovation, coupled with our commitment to building a future courthouse, reflects a collaborative approach with our justice partners. By addressing immediate needs while planning for long-term solutions, we are ensuring a safe and efficient justice system for Thurston County,” said Commissioner Carolina Mejia.
“Thurston County residents deserve a courthouse that is functional and safe. The current courthouse does not meet those standards and is deteriorating over time. The Board of County Commissioners is working to address this with a short-term renovation that will meet basic needs. The scaled back courthouse hill renovation is a fiscally responsible interim solution to the longer-term fix of a new Courthouse. District Court is pleased to be in coordination and partnership with the Board in prioritizing building trust with our community,” said Judge Brett Buckley.
“The Superior Court Judges are committed to a new courthouse complex that serves the community with dignity and respect. We consistently hear from county residents who serve on juries about the inadequacy of the existing courthouse. A modern, correctly sized, and secure courthouse will allow for timely access to justice and meet the safety and accessibility needs of community members visiting the court,” said Judge John Skinder.
The county has initiated a scaled-back renovation of Courthouse Hill to address immediate safety and infrastructure concerns within the existing buildings. This $5.5 million investment will ensure the continued operation of essential courthouse functions while the county diligently explores long-term solutions for a new courthouse complex. In 2022 the Board of County Commissioners initially approved a $50 million renovation of the buildings on Courthouse hill. After much research and reconsideration, the current Board has approved this scaled-back $5.5 million renovation, with a commitment to investing the remainder in a future building that will provide services in safe and accessible manner that the residents of our community find dignified, functional, environmentally sustainable, and cost-effective. “I appreciate the leadership of our Board in making this thoughtful and fiscally responsible decision,” said Leonard Hernandez, County Manager.
The county remains dedicated to building a new courthouse that meets the evolving needs of our justice system and reflects the values of our community. This commitment includes a thorough and transparent planning process that will engage the community in identifying the best location and design for a new courthouse complex.
“Thurston County Public Defense supports the Board’s decision to address this critical longstanding crisis for our justice system and its stakeholders. Our community desperately needs a modern courthouse to meet the demands of today’s justice system. We support the Board’s decision to make responsible short-term investments in the scaled-back courthouse hill renovation while preparing for a brighter future for Thurston County,” said Patrick O’Connor, Director of Public Defense.
“Pretrial Services is pleased to join the Board of County Commissioners, other elected officials, and law and justice partners in working toward a long-term plan for a courthouse that is safe and functional. In the meantime, the scaled-back courthouse hill renovation is a fiscally responsible interim approach to short-term space issues. We look forward to working with the Board and the community toward a more permanent solution,” said Carrie Hennen, Pretrial Services.
“I am thrilled to have prioritized the future of Thurston County’s courts during my first year in office. For too long, the courthouse has fallen short of the dignified standards our hardworking staff deserve. Investing in sustainable infrastructure is a critical step toward ensuring long-term fiscal responsibility and meeting community needs,” said Commissioner Clouse.
“This consolidation marks a positive step forward for our office and the community we serve. Bringing most of our team together under one roof will improve collaboration and efficiency, while our new space provides a safe and supportive environment for the public,” said Thurston County Prosecutor Jon Tunheim. “The Prosecutor’s Office is excited to consolidate most of our team into a single office location. This move will allow us to better serve the public in a safe and welcoming space, separate from courtrooms. To continue providing specialized support, our Domestic Violence team will remain co-located at the Family Justice Center, and our Juvenile team will continue to operate out of the Family & Juvenile Court.”
This focus on courthouse improvement aligns with our broader commitment to building and maintaining community trust. By prioritizing transparency, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement at every stage of this process, the county aims to ensure that the justice system operates in a manner that is accessible, efficient, and reflective of the values of all Thurston County residents.