For Immediate Release:
October 30, 2025
Contact:
Grace Hoge
[email protected]
Governor Kelly, State Leaders Cut Ribbon
on New Docking State Office Building
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly joined members of the Kansas Legislature, the Kansas Department of Administration, Mayor Mike Padilla, representatives from Hutton Design + Build, and the Docking family to officially cut the ribbon on the new Robert B. Docking State Office Building in downtown Topeka.
“The opening of the new Docking State Office Building represents what we can accomplish when we work together to reimagine something from the past to meet the needs of today and the future,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I’m proud of the collaboration and teamwork that went into the design, deconstruction, and reconstruction of this state-of-the-art facility. This new building truly honors the Docking family legacy of both fiscal responsibility and treating public servants with respect.”
The original Docking State Office Building opened its doors in 1957 and remained standing for more than 60 years before it was demolished. Construction of the new Docking State Office building began in November 2022.
“One of the goals for the new Docking Building was to create one of the most efficient, modern, and beautiful buildings in the country, and for this facility to be a ‘front door’ to the state government for visitors to the capitol,” said Kansas Department of Administration Secretary Adam Proffitt. “Deputy Secretary Frank Burnam, his team, and all of the partners on this project delivered on these goals.”
The new Docking State Office Building is among the most energy efficient buildings in the country and honors the original building by displaying and reusing key historic features. The project was paid for in cash, and no new debt was incurred, making the reconstruction one of the most fiscally responsible projects in Kansas history.
Last week, Kansas Department of Administration Deputy Secretary Frank Burnam received the Innovation in State Government Award from the National Association of State Chief Administrators for his work on the project.
“With 98% of the materials of the old building incorporated into the body of the new building, Kansas has integrated continuity and environmental efficiency into the Docking State Office Building,” said Brian Docking, Grandson of Governor Robert Docking. “Today I represent my great grandparents, my grandparents, and my father and uncle and the future of our family to say we are humbled by this honor.”
“Kansans can be proud of this iconic building and the team that designed and built it,” said Andy Buessing, President, Hutton Design + Build. “Eighty-seven percent of our project partners are based in Kansas, including architects Clark Huesemann and PGAV and many Kansas engineers and trade partners – all working together to ensure the safety and quality of this once-in-a-lifetime project.”
“I am excited to see the completion of this greatly anticipated building,” said Topeka Mayor Mike Padilla. “It is not only beautiful to look at, but using materials from the old building keeps some of the history of Topeka architecture, which will be admired for years to come. I would like to thank all the partners and skilled laborers who made this possible."
For more information about the Docking Building, visit: Docking State Office Building Reconstruction Project | Kansas Department of Administration
Photos from today's event are available for media use below:
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