Olympia City Hall Project - Frequent Questions

What will happen to the current City Hall?
It will become the City's criminal justice center.  In addition to housing Olympia's Municipal Court, the new criminal justice center will include the Olympia Municipal Jail, plus offices and program service space for the judge and court staff, City prosecutors, Probation Services and the City's Day Reporting Center. 

Will taxes be raised to pay for a new City Hall?
No. The new City Hall will be paid for the same way most people pay for a house, with the combination of a responsible downpayment and "loans."

The City Council has saved $10 million dollars for the "downpayment" and will finance the rest with 30-year bonds.  Right now the City spends about one-half million dollars ($500,000) each year to rent buildings. That rent money, along with some other City income, will be used to make the bond payments.

How much will it cost?
The project budget will be determined during the design phase. Current projection is in the $35-$40 million range, depending on site and design. It should be kept in mind that as the construction date is pushed out there is the potential that costs will rise.

Where will people park when they come to the new City Hall?
Cherry and Columbia Streets on the east and west sides of the property will be reconfigured for convenient, angled-in public parking.

The main entrance to the building will be on 4th Avenue, a primary bus transit route, and the site is within easy walking distance of the Intercity Transit center.

Why a New City Hall?
So that ...

  • You know where to go for the City services you need. Currently, we're housed in several different buildings. 
  • We are more efficient. A single building will reduce the need for duplicate meeting rooms, reception areas, photocopiers, equipment, and reception areas.
  • We do our part to spur the reinvestment that's happening in downtown.
  • We turn rent payments into ownership.  Lease payments for office space near the current City Hall cost us about $500,000 annually.
  • All of our employees have a safe and effective work space.  The police department space, in particular, has been cramped and inadequate for years.
  • You have more options for doing business with us - in person and online.