Space-constrained Thurston Public Defense department eager to move to new site
A lack of space for Thurston County’s growing public defense department has prompted the county to agree to buy a property for nearly $1 million.
Acquiring the property at 909 Lakeridge Drive SW will bring the block completely under the county’s control, said County Manager Ramiro Chavez.
The Board of County Commissioners voted 2-1 to enter into a purchase agreement for the property with Western Building Material Association on March 8. The county expects to close the $995,000 deal soon, Chavez said told The Olympian.
The move comes as the county pursues multiple improvement projects and a wider reorganization plan to meet its space needs.
In the near term, a two-story building on the property will house staff from Thurston County Public Defense, specifically those working on District Court matters, said Department Director Patrick O’Connor.
The property spans 26,381 square feet and its building has a total area of 4,616 square feet, according to an appraisal report. The building was constructed in 1970 and has recently been used on a limited basis.
Once the deal closes, Chavez said he expects the county to make some small improvements to the space such as adding cubicle walls. He didn’t have a timeline for when Public Defense may be able to move in.
Why does Public Defense need this?
O’Connor said staffing levels have grown by about 30% over the past three to four years, yet the department hasn’t expanded its workspace. He called news of the purchase agreement thrilling.
“We’re excited to be able to have adequate, sufficient space to meet public defense needs and to meet staff needs,” O’Connor said.
With more staff returning to the office as pandemic precautions are easing, O’Connor said he doesn’t have enough space for everyone. He said attorneys need meeting space to speak confidentially with clients.
Growth has come in many forms. Over the years, he said the department has hired more attorneys to meet demand and larger caseloads. It also has added two internal investigators to look into cases on behalf of clients. Additionally, they brought on staff specializing in social service work.
O’Connor called these non-attorney positions “critical to delivering high quality” public defense in Thurston County.
He said the new space will serve as an extension of the department’s current office, located a short walk away at 926 24th Way SW.
Disagreement on the Commission
Commissioner Tye Menser voted against the agreement. During the March 8 meeting, he said he believes the county is taking on too many projects at once.
“I do think this new property has value to the county, but to me, it’s more of a want than a need and we’ve stretched to get where we are,” Menser said. “I’m not comfortable with this expenditure at this juncture.”
Tenant improvements are underway at the Atrium building at 3000 Pacific Avenue in Olympia. The county hopes to move many offices and departments into that building by sometime in the fall, Chavez said.
Chavez said the county also aims to improve its aging courthouse campus on Lakeridge and turn it into a law and justice center.
Additionally, the county has started planning improvements to its ballot processing center at its recently purchased Mottman Complex in Tumwater.
Menser cited each of these three projects — which he said address direct needs of the county — in his opposition to buying the building at 909 Lakeridge Drive.
Commissioner and Board Chair Carolina Mejia voted in favor in of the purchase agreement, saying the building is in the county’s growth area.
“It provides not only a short-term ability to fit our space needs, but also a long-term ability,” Mejia said. “That, to me, is very important, especially if we decide to do a new courthouse up here on the hill or if we decide to move in any other way.”
In the long term, Chavez said the building will be factored into plans to reorganize county offices and departments.
This story was originally published March 23, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
