Thurston County commissioners approve resolution calling for sealed bids for new sheriff’s office renovation

The Thurston County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved a resolution calling for sealed bids for the new sheriff’s office renovation project.

The building, located at 1111 Israel Road SW in Tumwater, needs renovation of existing areas to meet the operational requirements of the sheriff’s office. The remodel will utilize the entire building and provide approximately 56,000 square feet of space.

The project also includes the installation of a fence around the secure parking area and an emergency generator.

The engineering estimate for the project is estimated to be between $2 million and $3 million and is funded as part of the Public Safety Sales Tax bond. This project was approved in the 2025-26 Capital Improvement Plan.

The date and time for receipt and opening of said bids has not yet been determined, but the bid award shall be made to the responsible bidder submitting the lowest responsive bid.

Thurston County purchased the building in February for $14.25 million, just over $250 per square foot. According to the county’s central services team back in February, the deal for the four-star building saved the county quite a bit of money as most four- or five-star building purchase prices were typically as much as $550 per square foot.

To build a new four- or five-star building, it could have cost upward of $700 per square foot. The property includes over 150 parking spaces. The sheriff’s office’s move-in target date is April 2026.