What’s with the construction fences around the Old Capitol Building in Olympia?
Passersby in downtown Olympia may notice scaffolding and fences surrounding the Old Capitol Building across from Sylvester Park. If they look higher, they may even spot people scaling the highest reaches of the historic structure.
Those people are contractors with Construct, Inc. of Tumwater. They’re replacing the failing roof and connected infrastructure, according to the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services website. When reached for comment, DES spokesperson Emilie Brown said the repairs are needed to address water leaks.
“Natural wear and tear has created leaks, which also increased damage to the interior structures and finishes,” Brown said in an emailed statement. “DES completed a study and worked with historic preservation and conservation experts to determine that replacing the roof was the best method to meet current waterproofing standards, honor the historic character of the building and ensure long-term durability.”
The Old Capitol currently houses the state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, but it has served a few different uses in its long history. When it was finished in 1892, the building served as the Thurston County Courthouse, per the Capitol Campus website. The state purchased the building in 1901 to use it as the state capitol building. That function lasted until 1928, when lawmakers started using the Legislative Building further south.
That same year, flames reportedly destroyed the roof and clock tower of the Old Capitol. In the ensuing decades, the state has repeatedly renovated and modernized the building. The nearly $6.8 million project occurring now is the latest in that long line of work.
“The Old Capitol Building is one of the most historic structures in the portfolio of state buildings in the Olympia area,” Brown said. “As with any historic building, it has high preservation and maintenance needs.”
As part of the project, contractors dug a large trench on the northwest corner of the property. Brown said the in-ground work was necessary to improve the storm-water system. As for the fencing, she said it’s a safety measure.
“The perimeter fencing is required for the safety and security of the crews, project, and public,” Brown said. “The construction site includes the entire building due to the scale of the project, and space around the building required for materials and equipment, typically called ‘laydown space.’”
The contractors started working on the building in February, months after making the lowest-cost bid that met the solicitation requirements in a competitive process, Brown said. DES expects the project to be fully completed by October, she added.
Despite the ongoing work, state workers have still come and gone from the building. Brown said the building has remained “partially accessible” for state workers, but public access is restricted during active construction.
“DES is coordinating closely with building tenants to communicate any necessary adjustments to parking, access routes, and entrances as needed for safety while ensuring ADA routes are available,” Brown said.
This story was originally published May 19, 2026 at 5:00 AM.
