About the State Archives Building

View the State Archives Building on the Capitol Campus Map.

The State Archives Building is underground next to the Capitol Court Building just east of Capitol Way. Its roof is flush with Capitol Way and hosts a grove of Littleleaf Linden trees, hiding the building in plain sight from those passing through the area.

It houses the Secretary of State's Southwest Regional Branch of the Washington State Archives. The building preserves local government records and historical documents, including those from state and county offices, school districts, and other service districts.

History

The State Archives once occupied the basement of the John A. Cherberg Building. However, as the East Capitol Campus grew in the early 1960s, the state decided to construct a new building to house the government's essential documents and artifacts.

After completing the Highways-Licenses Building and Employment Security Building, the architectural firm Harmon, Pray, and Detrich designed the new building.

A black and white image of the State Archives Building during construction. The building's fresh facade is surrounded by piles of dirt, and the Capitol Court Building is visible in the background.
State Archives Building under construction, 1963. Photo from Washington State Archives.

Construction began in 1962. During this time, the Cold War was at its peak. The Cuban missile crisis prompted the state to build the State Archives Building underground, as it could serve as a bomb shelter in case of a nuclear attack.

The building, which cost $660,000 to build, was completed in 1963. Shortly after completion, it was formally dedicated to the Southwest Regional Branch of the Washington State Archives.