Kansas legislators recommend turning Docking State Office Building into three-story event center

TOPEKA — Conflicted opinions were on display as a panel of legislators recommended a three-story event center at the Docking State Office Building site.

In advancing the plan Monday, Republican members of the Joint Committee on State Building Construction dismissed proposals for taller versions sponsored by committee Democrats and the Department of Administration. The recommendation calls for either renovation of the bottom three floors or new construction of the event center, but the final details will be ironed out by the State Finance Council, which has the final say on the issue.

During the legislative session earlier this year, legislators approved $129 million in bonds to renovate the mostly vacant 60-year-old building. It is still home to the heating and cooling plant used to power the Capitol complex.

Sen. J.R. Claeys, R-Salina, offered the plan to ensure flexibility in the final model and allow for possible consideration of a new energy system.

Read more: https://kansasreflector.com/2021/10/12/kansas-legislators-recommend-turning-docking-state-office-building-into-three-story-event-center/