Thurston County Courthouse complex

Location: 2000 Lakeridge Dr SW
midCentury modern

No vintage photograph for the complex has been located.

Location today (2014), photo by Deb Ross

Officially opened in June 1978, this courthouse stands on what was historically “Mottman Hill.” The multi-building design features contributions from three local architectural firms—Building 1, designed by Falter-Masini Architects; Building 2, designed by Flotree-Sogge Architects ; and Building 3, designed by Bob Selenes of BJSS Architects who also provided the master plan for the site.

See Thurston County Courthouses through the Decades for other historic locations for the Thurston County Courthouse

Text by Shanna Stevenson

Holiday Open House on 12/10
The Olympia Historical Society & Bigelow House Museum invites the community to a Holiday Open House at the Bigelow House Museum at 918 Glass Avenue NE in Olympia on Sunday, December 10, 2023 from 1 to 4 pm. $5.00 suggested donation. Visitors will enjoy holiday decor, learn about this Olympia treasure as well as savoring a holiday treat. One of Olympia’s oldest…
November 27, 2023
SUPPORT THE OHS & BHM THROUGH THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION’S GIVE LOCAL 2023 FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN
The Olympia Historical Society & Bigelow House Museum is participating this year in the Community Foundation of Puget Sound’s Give Local 2023 which begins November 6, 2023 and continues through November 17, 2023. We invite you to participate by donating here (live link). https://spsgives.org/o/community-foundation-of-south-puget-sound/i/give-local-2023/s/olympia-historical-society-bigelow-house-museum-ohs-bhm-ktdskazyx Thanks to the $100,000 Give Local Bonus Fund, seeded by the…
November 2, 2023
Olympia Historical Society & Bigelow House Museum Seeks Applicants for the Roger Easton History Grant
The Olympia Historical Society & Bigelow House Museum will award a $2000 history grant along with a $500 teacher stipend in 2024, provided by funds from long-time Thurston County Teacher Roger Easton. Eligible applicants are K-12 teachers, student teachers, administrators, or classroom professionals in accredited schools in Thurston County. The successful applicant will use grant…
September 18, 2023

David Shelton – 12/3/23
Throughout 2023 we’ll be exploring the origins of area place names. Shelton, Washington, was named for Mason County settler David Shelton, pictured here, who served in the Washington Territorial legislature. Photograph selected and captioned by Deborah Ross on behalf of the Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum, olympiahistory.org. Rogers Photo, about 1889, Courtesy State…
December 3, 2023
Thomas Huntamer – 11/26/23
Throughout 2023 we’ll be exploring the origins of area place names. Huntamer Park in Lacey is named in honor of Thomas Huntamer, who served for over a decade as a member of Lacey’s City Council, beginning with its incorporation in 1966. He served as Lacey’s mayor in 1973. Image selected and captioned by Deborah Ross…
November 26, 2023
Charles Mason – 11/19/23
Throughout 2023 we’ll be exploring the origins of area place names. Mason County is named for Charles H. Mason. Mason was Washington’s first Territorial Secretary, serving from the territory’s formation in 1853 until 1859. Photograph selected and captioned by Deborah Ross on behalf of the Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum, olympiahistory.org. unknown photographer,…
November 19, 2023