Capital Improvement Projects in Topeka

Docking State Office Building

State Finance Council Resolution 21-740 approved the renovation of the Docking State Office Building into a three-story building with office and meeting space. The renovated building will have three floors, public lobby and exhibit spaces, state agency office space, shared meeting rooms, wellness and personal health support rooms, and a fitness center. The renovation will be built on top of the building’s existing foundation, which contains the basement and sub-basement levels.

Demolition of the Docking State Office Building began in January 2023 and is expected to be completed by the end of February 2024. Construction of the new building is expected to be completed in May 2025.

The 2022 Legislature approved $120.0 million for the project, with $60.0 million from the State General Fund (SGF) and $60.0 million from federal funds.

Kansas Department of Health and Environment Laboratory

In December of 2021, the State Finance Council approved a resolution that included construction of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) laboratory at Lot 4 in Downtown Topeka, near the Docking State Office Building. With a maximum expenditure limit of $65.0 million for the project, $32.5 million in COVID-19 federal relief funds was transferred to KDHE for the construction of the lab and the 2022 Legislature appropriated the remaining $32.5 million SGF.

Capitol Complex Air Handlers

The Department of Administration (DOA) was allocated $4.5 million from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State Relief Funds to replace outdated air handling equipment within the Capitol Complex. As budgets have allowed, the Office of Facilities and Property Management (OFPM) has gradually replaced outdated air handler units, some of which date back to 1955 and 1970. This project replaces remaining units, which would improve indoor air quality, lower operation costs, and reduce impacts and disruptions to the Capitol Complex.

Capitol Complex Security Enhancements

The DOA was allocated $6.0 million from ARPA State Relief Funds to address deficiencies related to physical security within the Capitol Complex to assist OFPM and the Kansas Highway Patrol in protecting employees and the public. Upgrades include replacing outdated building access and video security systems, eliminating physical keys to touchless surfaces, and adding enhanced security technology in artificial intelligence.

State Printing Plant

The DOA was allocated $6.5 million from ARPA State Relief Funds to address deferred maintenance and upgrades to the State Printing Plant, which houses printing and central mail operations. Most of the Printing Plant’s mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems are original to its construction in 1985 and are at, or past, median service life estimates.

Judicial Branch Library Learning Center

The Kansas Judicial Center welcomes visitors throughout the year who have questions about the Judicial Branch’s structure, case flow, appeals process, and general services it provides the state. The Learning Center allows for visitor education and engagement. The center would utilize an interactive learning environment to provide information about the three branches of government, their function within government, and how each branch interacts with the others.

In FY 2024, the requested amount for the Learning Center is $50,000 SGF. The total project cost is $150,000 SGF and will be completed by FY 2026.

Kansas Museum of History

The Kansas State Historical Society is requesting $1.9 million for FY 2025 to refurbish air handling units and to replace a chiller unit at the Kansas Museum of History. According to the agency, the current units have been in place since 1984 and have reached their service limit. The air handling units and chiller service 44,800 square feet of the museum, including the museum, lobby, classrooms, and collection storage areas.

Northeast Kansas Veterans’ Home

For more information on this project, see “Capital Projects Involving National Guard Facilities, Emergency Management Services, and the Northeast Kansas Veterans’ Home”.