DES completes construction of Irving R. Newhouse Building

Concludes first phase of Legislative Campus Modernization Project

A bird's eye view of the Irving R. Newhouse Building, showing the new structure and parking lot, with the West Campus lawns and Capitol Group buildings visible in the background.
The Department of Enterprise Services (DES) has completed construction of the replacement Irving R. Newhouse Building.

The Irving R. Newhouse Replacement Project is the first major phase of Legislative Campus Modernization (LCM). Built in 1934 as a temporary structure, the original building had significant functional, health and life safety hazards.

“The Irving R. Newhouse Building is the first project we’ve completed as part of the LCM portfolio, and we finished it seven months ahead of schedule,” said DES Interim Director Matt Jones. “The work we completed has transformed the gateway to West campus.”      
The new building includes many features that honor the past, embrace the present, and will guide the campus into the future. Highlights include:

  • The building is net-zero ready and is on track to receive at least a Gold rating for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), a designation that marks a building as environmentally responsible and resource efficient.
  • The feature wall that greets visitors includes reclaimed wood from the historic houses that used to serve as office space for the press.
  • Marble from the original building was incorporated into the main lobby and elevator area.
  • Landscaping around the building includes elements from the original Olmsted Brothers landscape design. 
  • Artwork designed by RYAN! highlights Washington endangered species.
  • The building has four stories and a partial basement.

The building tenants are:

  • State Senators and their staff
  • Legislative Support Services

The project contractors are: 

  • Miller Hull Partnership, LLP – Architects
  • Hoffman Construction Co. – General contractor/Construction manager

Read more about the replacement Irving R. Newhouse building.

Legislative Campus Modernization

Legislative Campus Modernization (LCM) is a series of three projects on the historic West Capitol Campus. The newly completed Irving R. Newhouse Replacement Project is the first phase of LCM. The second phase of the project, which is currently underway, is the renovation and expansion of the Joel M. Pritchard State Library. The final phase of LCM is the renovation of the third and fourth floors of the John L. O’Brien Building. Subscribe to the LCM weekly update newsletter.

Department of Enterprise Services

The Department of Enterprise Services (DES) stewards the Washington State Capitol Campus, an internationally accredited arboretum. The 403-acre campus includes five parks, 18 monuments and works of art and the 260 Capitol Lake, which is being restored to an estuary. Each year, DES welcomes more than 400 public and private events and hundreds of thousands of visitors to the historic Capitol Campus. See a list of upcoming events.