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But they left a notable one in operation: the old City Hall. The city plans to spend $525,000 to remodel the circular, 1960s building at 900 Plum St. S.E. into a court complex known as the Lee Creighton Justice Center. The city originally budgeted $200,000 for renovating the building.
“We are seeing a trend toward higher bids, particularly in the building industry,” said Project Manager Rick Dougherty. He didn’t want to speculate on why.
To pay the difference, the city will use $100,000 in unspent funds from the new City Hall project and $225,000 from city reserves.
The city hopes to pay back the reserves from future year-end savings from Court Services, and/or the sale of the court services building.
Court Services is moving into the old City Hall, along with probation services and the city’s day reporting center. The city jail, prosecutors and Olympia Municipal Court will stay at the old complex.
The Olympia City Council awarded the remodel job last month to Yi and Associates Inc. of Olympia. Remodeling will start on Tuesday and last into just before Thanksgiving, Dougherty said.
He said the remodeling is fairly minor.
“We were told we had a minimum budget and get done what we could get done and so that’s what we’re doing,” he said.
On the east wing of the building, crews will relocate restrooms to create a new day reporting room for people on probation. On the west wing, a new reception area will be created and new separation will be added so court employees and prosecutors are separated. New carpeting will also be installed.
The old Council Chambers, where Olympia Municipal Court continues to meet, will not be touched, he said.
Assistant City Prosecutor Rocio Guerra said the consolidation will be a big improvement.
“It’s going to be a lot more efficient and effective in dealing with probation,” she said. “Also for the jail to have contact with probation, that’s going to be a huge improvement.
“Just overall, I’m happy that the investment is being made in the justice system.”
Matt Batcheldor: 360-704-6869 mbatcheldor @theolympian.com
