After a long and difficult process — for politicians and construction workers — the rebuild of the Docking State Office Building is underway.
“I thought this day would never come … after decades of stops and starts, we can finally celebrate the reincarnation of the Robert J. Docking State Office Building,” said Gov. Laura Kelly.
“I’ve lived in Topeka for a very long time, and I know how iconic the Docking State Office Building has been to the city,” she said. “The structure that came down just two months ago had accumulated decades of history and memories shared by thousands of state employees.”
Kelly and other dignitaries on Monday met on the southwest lawn of the Kansas Statehouse, where they signed beams that will later be installed toward the top of the new building. Once complete next spring, the modern building will have an exhibition space, cafe, gym, health clinic and event center in addition to offices for state employees.
“The Docking family is honored to have what will be this beautiful repurposed building on the state Capitol campus named after our family,” said Brian Docking, grandson of former Gov. Robert Docking, whom the building was named after, and great-grandson of former Gov. George Docking. “For generations, we’ve appreciated the work and dedication of Kansans who labor to serve our government and their constituents.”