In 1911, the Classical style, 24,086 sq. ft. Olympia Federal Building was built to serve as the city’s first Post Office. The concrete and steel frame building is clad in tooled Tenino sandstone and glazed terra cotta. It was remodeled in 1964 when the post office moved out. The building is architecturally and historically significant, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
BOLA provided a revitalized interior and exterior restoration, working with the State’s Department of Real Estate Services, and the Secretary of State’s Corporation Division. Design included restoration of the marble-clad public lobby and staircase, new windows and service counters, and the insertion of offices, open work areas, and public access areas. A new, sandstone-clad ramp and granite stair were inserted along the building’s north facade, and new utility and data communication systems, and structural elements were added. These elements were integrated into the building, utilizing skilled craftsmen and traditional building techniques.
“Green” building aspects included reuse of original features and recycling of construction materials. Public crews provided abatement and demolition. Together, these efforts represent a savings of nearly $130,000 or 5.5% to the project costs. The project was given the Governor’s Service Award in 2002.