North Dakota lawmakers received an initial presentation of a concept for a significant addition to the State Capitol on Thursday, Oct. 1. The proposal, detailing a new legislative wing with secure parking built underneath, was presented by John Bjornson, director of the North Dakota Legislative Council, to the Government Finance interim committee.
The proposed five-story, 343,000-square-foot building concept would replace the current parking lot situated just west of the Capitol. According to the design from Klein McCarthy Architects, the structure is intended to consolidate several upgrades into one facility. Plans include two lower levels designated for secure parking, with meeting rooms located on level three. Legislative offices would occupy level four, and offices for the Legislative Council would be housed on level five. A bridge connection is planned to link the new building with the existing legislative chambers.
Driving the proposal are identified security and space problems within the current Capitol setup, according to a study that informed the concept. Lawmakers presently work from their chamber desks without dedicated private office space and park their vehicles in an unsecured surface lot. The study also highlighted that current meeting rooms are often too small to comply with ADA access standards and accommodate modern technology, frequently featuring only a single exit door. John Bjornson echoed these concerns, stating that officials have identified "a lack of parking on the grounds" and a substantial lack of office space and parking facilities for employees and visitors alike.
The study estimates the total cost for the proposed addition at $152.3 million, with $130.7 million specifically allocated for construction. However, Committee Chairman Randy Burckhard offered a higher projection, estimating the cost could be closer to $200 million. Should the project receive funding approval during the 2027 legislative session, design work is slated to begin in the summer of 2027, with construction anticipated to be completed by June 2030.
During the Government Finance interim committee meeting, no vote was taken on the concept. The proposed legislative wing would still require formal approval and dedicated funding from the full Legislature, along with the governor’s signature, before any development could proceed.
