Irv Newhouse Replacement Project

As part of the Legislative Campus Modernization (LCM) project DES is replacing the existing Irv Newhouse Building that houses members of the Senate and their staff.

The Newhouse building was constructed as a temporary structure in 1934 and was beyond its useful life. It had significant health and safety hazards, obsolete building systems, and the interior was overcrowded during Legislative Session.

Major impacts

Before visiting campus, please note:

  • The construction site is fenced in, limiting some pedestrian routes and parking.
  • The Visitor Information Center parking lot is closed for safety. For alternative parking, use the Capitol Campus map.
  • The pedestrian bridge that connects East and West Capitol Campus is closed and will remain closed until 2025 for public safety. Use designated alternate routes.
  • Expect increased noise, dust, and construction traffic during work hours from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Stay up-to-date on the latest impacts by reading the LCM Weekly Update and viewing progress photos on our LCM Flickr collection.

Subscribe for weekly updates.

Project schedule

Construction on the new building began in the summer of 2023 and is expected to be complete in time for the 2025 Legislative Session.

Public involvement

The design underwent months of public input, including an environmental review and feedback from the LCM Landscape Peer Review Panel.

Stakeholder meetings were finished after the design phase of each piece of the project.

Newhouse Building replacement

An artist rendering of the Irv Newhouse building replacement.
An artist's rendering by Miller Hull of the Newhouse replacement building.

The Newhouse Building replacement will complement the historic campus design while using modern techniques to meet both the current and future needs of the Senate, and help the campus meet its clean energy goals.

The Newhouse Building replacement will feature design elements and artwork that depict the timeless aesthetic and values of Washington State, and an expanded footprint to reduce crowding.

The building is also on track to receive at least a Silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating. 
Key sustainability features include:

  • Reduced embodied carbon footprint through use of salvaged Douglas Fir wood and Wilkeson sandstone.
  • Energy efficient windows, well-insulated walls, natural ventilation, and added daylight through a skylight.
  • Finishes free of harmful “red list” chemicals.

Landscape design

The landscape design will enhance the plan of the original landscape architects, the Olmsted brothers, and will create a beautiful transition from the West Capitol Campus landscape to the historic South Capitol Neighborhood.

Watch the Maintaining the Olmsted Legacy video to learn more about Olmsted design on the Capitol Campus.

Historic mitigation

To make room for the new building, DES had to demolish the existing Irv Newhouse Building and nearby Capitol Press Corps Houses.

DES worked with the Washington State Department of Archaeological and Historic Preservation (DAHP) to come up with a plan to offset those losses:

  1. Salvage, reuse, and recycle whenever possible.
  2. Document buildings through professional photography.
  3. Explain site history and context.

Watch the historic mitigation video to learn more about DES’ plan, or Historic Washington: Capitol Press Houses on TVW to learn more about the historic Press Houses.

Recent photos

A look at the Northwest corner of the new Irv Newhouse Building replacement project construction site.
The newly sheetrocked walls of the Irv Newhouse Building replacement project before they are painted.
An inside look at the Irv Newhouse Building replacement project shows a worker on a genie lift working on the in-ceiling electrical.

View additional recent photos.

For up to date information on the Newhouse Building replacement project, sign up for the LCM Weekly Update.

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