EVERETT — Bob Drewel didn’t see it coming.

The former Snohomish County executive — four years out of office — thought he was about to make a budget pitch to the County Council.

He was quickly hit with a surprise: The council named the county’s eight-story, $41 million administration building in Drewel’s honor.

“What?! What?! You all knew about this?! I never get surprised like this!” Drewel shouted over applause and laughter from a room full of current and former county employees, department heads and Drewel’s family.

The Robert J. Drewel Building will replace the clunkier “Admin East.” It’s the tallest office building in downtown Everett.

“Oh, my Lord,” Drewel said, shaking his head in awe and disbelief.

The five-member County Council voted unanimously on the name during a special meeting Monday to discuss the 2008 budget.

“You’re truly a leader who understands relationships,” Republican County Councilman John Koster said. “When I think of ‘statesman,’ I think of Bob Drewel.”

Drewel, a Democrat, was elected in 1991 and served 12 years as county executive. He reluctantly left office at the beginning of 2004 because of county term limits. He later was hired as executive director of the Puget Sound Regional Council, which plans regional growth for Snohomish, King, Pierce and Kitsap counties.

The county administration building opened in 2005 as part of a $175 million makeover of the county campus. Planning for the project began in the mid-1990s during Drewel’s administration and also included the new jail and underground parking garage.

After Monday’s vote, Drewel was given a plaque and met with a receiving line of well-wishers. He also hugged and slapped backs with each of the five county councilmen.

He said he has known Republican Councilman Gary Nelson for 30 years, and Democratic Councilman Dave Gossett for 20 years.

Gossett said the council had been mulling the idea for some time, but the trick was getting Drewel to the county while also making the announcement a surprise.

Each member heaped praise on Drewel.

Democrat Kirke Sievers praised him for his integrity. Putting Drewel’s name on the building will mean that “every time we come into the building and see your name, we’ll have a person of integrity looking over our shoulder,” Sievers said.

You are “my role model for great leadership,” Democrat Dave Somers said.

Drewel’s 12 years of dedication at the helm of county government was commendable, County Executive Aaron Reardon said.

“He’s well deserving of such an honor,” Reardon said.

Drewel saw the county through tremendous growth and the shift from a rural county to an urbanizing county, Reardon said.

There is no greater honor than to have his name on a building associated with government, Drewel said.

“I’ve never been so surprised in all my life,” Drewel said in thanking the council. “My appreciation is immeasurable.”

The honor was humbling and reminiscent of happy days, he said.

“My 12 years here were the best part of my life, working with folks who do their best for the citizens of Snohomish County,” he said.

The modern glass and steel building is remarkable in function and appearance, Drewel said.

“This building embraces you, it wraps its arms around you,” he said.

A formal dedication ceremony for the naming is planned early next year.

Reporter Jeff Switzer: 425-339-3452 or jswitzer@heraldnet.com.