Demolition of the General Administration Building

The General Administration building has stood vacant since 2018. It no longer meets structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or safety standards. Renovating the building would be more expensive than replacing it.

In 2025, the state Legislature provided funding for DES to demolish the project and surround the vacant site with a temporary fence. The Legislature has not yet identified a future use for the site.

Preservation measures

The General Admininstration Building, looking at the South side where the bronze seal of the state of Washington sits high upon the wall of the building's facade.

Prior to demolition, DES is removing the building's historic artwork, furnishings and fixtures:

  • The building's Beall Mosaic was removed and installed in the Helen Sommers Building.
  • DES will ensure that granite and sandstone elements on the building's exterior are stored for future use.
  • The facade's bronze seal of the state of Washington will also be preserved for future use.
  • Other elements, such as signage, doors, and wall panels, will be preserved in storage or sold at surplus.

Construction-related closures

During demolition, DES will close the visitor and employee parking areas to the north and west of the building. Other temporary closures may result from construction activities. Sign up for updates at Capitol.wa.gov about construction-related closures and impacts.

Timeline

March – November 2026

Future use

Following demolition, DES will reopen the adjacent parking areas.

The Legislature, through budget and legislative action, may establish a future use for the vacant site.

For more information

In accordance with the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), DES has provided the Department of Ecology with information about preventing ecological harm during the demolition. Read documents from the SEPA review.

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