Joel M. Pritchard Building

The Joel M. Pritchard Building is an administrative structure in the Washington State Capitol Campus in Olympia, featuring glass and stone elements with clean lines constructed from locally quarried Wilkeson sandstone. Today it functions as office space for various state departments, including the Code Reviser's office.

The structure was built between 1957 and 1958 and originally housed the Washington State Library. Following the 2001 Nisqually Earthquake, it was converted into administrative offices.

The building displays artworks created by Mark Tobey and Kenneth Callahan, along with a fountain by Du Pen visible in the outdoor space. These pieces form part of the everyday surroundings for people working and visiting the area.

The building is located at 415 15th Avenue SW within the Capitol Campus and is accessible during standard state business hours. As an administrative building, only public areas are open to visitors while office spaces remain reserved for staff.

Architect Paul Thiry received the inaugural American Institute of Architects Library Building Award in 1963 for this structure's innovative design. This early recognition honored the forward-thinking approach to how library buildings could be designed and used.

Location: Olympia

GPS coordinates: 47.03453,-122.90487

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:44