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Thurston County closes on 1111 Israel Road to consolidate sheriff operations; renovation planned
Summary
County completed purchase of a 56,000‑square‑foot office building at 1111 Israel Road for $14.25 million, funded with the public safety sales tax. County staff said feasibility studies found the building in good condition and renovation work is estimated at about $4 million, with a move‑in target of April 2026.
Thurston County has completed the purchase of a 56,000‑square‑foot office building at 1111 Israel Road for $14,250,000 and plans to renovate the facility for consolidated sheriff operations, county staff told commissioners Wednesday.
Rick Thomas, Central Services capital projects planning manager, summarized the site selection and feasibility work. Thomas said the county negotiated a purchase price of $14.25 million — roughly $250 per square foot — after comparing market prices and shortlisting four candidate buildings. "The consensus from the feasibility review team was that the building was in good condition and should not require major capital investments for 10 years," Thomas said.
Central Services and the sheriff’s office began work in early 2024 to locate an existing building that could consolidate operations now spread across multiple county buildings and leased space. The county signed a purchase and sale agreement, deposited $500,000, completed a feasibility inspection period with architects, engineers and an environmental phase I assessment, and the county wired the balance of the purchase price on Jan. 30, 2025; the property deed was received Jan. 31, 2025. Two State of Washington agencies currently lease parts of the building and will remain until July 31 and Sept. 30, 2025, with lease payments made to the county.
Thomas told the board the county expects renovation costs of about $4,000,000 and a total public‑safety project budget of $20,000,000 that also includes funds to provide a vehicle impound facility at a later, to‑be‑determined location. An architect is under contract and final design work for the renovation is planned to be complete in June 2025, with construction expected to begin around August 2025 after the state agency tenants vacate floors one and two. The sheriff’s office is targeting an April 2026 move‑in date.
Commissioners praised staff for the negotiation and for keeping costs well below typical new‑construction estimates; one commissioner noted a comparable new 4‑ or 5‑star building could cost $700 per square foot. Thomas said much of the existing interior finishes and IT cabling can be reused, reducing renovation costs and timeline risks.
The board received the update; staff noted operating and property tax costs associated with the new building will be allocated through the county budget process.
