By Aspen Anderson

Washington State Journal

Facing health and safety hazards and experiencing overcrowding, in May 2023 the original Irving R. Newhouse Building on the capitol campus in Olympia was entirely demolished and construction of a new building began.

Amidst rumors of a potential renaming, Rep. Bryan Sandlin, R-Zillah, representing the 15th District just like the building’s namesake, introduced HCR 4405 to preserve the original name.

“We can take a page out of his career, each and every one of us to be a bipartisan member of this Legislature. He worked across the aisle very well. He represented his district very well,” Sandlin said.

Irving R. Newhouse served for 34 years, holding office in the House of Representatives from 1965 to 1980 and in the Senate from 1980 to 1998.

During his tenure, he took on various roles including Senate Republican Floor Leader and Senate President Pro Tempore.

Sandlin presented the late senator’s family with a biography, which was prepared by the staff.

“They appreciate the recognition and are honored to keep that name, as well as I am. And I hope everyone will support this.”

The Newhouse tradition in politics continues. U.S. Congressman Dan Newhouse, the son of Irving, presently serves as a representative for Washington’s 4th congressional district.

The building when completed will house Senate members and their staff.

Currently, the bill has 15 bipartisan sponsors. If approved, the new structure will bear the name Irving R. Newhouse.

Completion of the building is anticipated in late 2024.

The Washington State Journal is a non-profit news website funded by the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation.

Photo by Aspen Anderson/Washington State Journal / A sign shows what the new Newhouse building will look like.