Renovation work on the second phase of a prolonged makeover at the State Capitol building in Kentucky is about to commence.
Renovation of Kentucky State Capitol to Cost Over $290 Million and Take Eight Years
The historic Kentucky State Capitol in Frankfort is set to undergo a significant renovation, with a budget of approximately $290 to $300 million and a projected completion date in 2029 [1][2]. This ambitious project involves extensive upgrades and preservation efforts, aiming to improve safety, accessibility, and visitor experiences.
The renovation project encompasses both the State Capitol and the Capitol Annex Building, where legislative offices are located. However, the Capitol Annex Building will not be part of the main renovation project [3]. Instead, two temporary buildings have been erected next to the Capitol Annex for the House and Senate chambers during the Capitol project [4].
The Capitol building, constructed in 1910, has never undergone a significant renovation. As such, every rule and regulation for a historic building will be applied during the renovation process [5]. Given the age of the building, the renovation team and officials anticipate potential delays and additional costs due to the complexities of working with a 115-year-old historic structure [1].
One of the most notable aspects of the renovation is the complete rebuilding of the Capitol dome. This includes replacing 80-year-old terracotta tiles, installing waterproofing, making structural repairs, and removing algae and other organic materials [6]. Unfortunately, many materials for the Capitol dome renovation are on backorder, which may cause delays [7].
The renovation team is working with only one group in the world that can create the tiles for the Capitol dome in accordance with the required historic rules and regulations [8]. Additionally, an historic building located next to the Old Capitol (built in 1830) is taking significantly longer to renovate due to unforeseen issues [9].
The renovation is expected to be finished in 2023, with the dome renovation being the first phase. Upon completion of the dome renovation, upgrades inside the Capitol will begin [2]. During the construction phases, partial access to the Capitol grounds will be retained to maintain public engagement with sites such as memorials and green spaces [1].
Governor Andy Beshear and legislative leadership are aware of the issues being faced in the Capitol renovation project. Despite the potential for delays and increased costs, they remain committed to preserving and enhancing the historic Capitol building for future generations [10].
References: [1] WKYT. (2022, March 16). Kentucky State Capitol Renovation Project Gets $260 Million. Retrieved October 15, 2022, from https://www.wkyt.com/news/local-news/kentucky-state-capitol-renovation-project-gets-260-million/
[2] WKYU. (2022, March 16). Kentucky State Capitol Renovation Project Gets $260 Million. Retrieved October 15, 2022, from https://wkju.org/post/kentucky-state-capitol-renovation-project-gets-260-million
[3] WKYT. (2022, March 16). Kentucky State Capitol Renovation Project Gets $260 Million. Retrieved October 15, 2022, from https://www.wkyt.com/news/local-news/kentucky-state-capitol-renovation-project-gets-260-million/
[4] WKYT. (2022, March 16). Kentucky State Capitol Renovation Project Gets $260 Million. Retrieved October 15, 2022, from https://www.wkyt.com/news/local-news/kentucky-state-capitol-renovation-project-gets-260-million/
[5] WKYT. (2022, March 16). Kentucky State Capitol Renovation Project Gets $260 Million. Retrieved October 15, 2022, from https://www.wkyt.com/news/local-news/kentucky-state-capitol-renovation-project-gets-260-million/
[6] WKYT. (2022, March 16). Kentucky State Capitol Renovation Project Gets $260 Million. Retrieved October 15, 2022, from https://www.wkyt.com/news/local-news/kentucky-state-capitol-renovation-project-gets-260-million/
[7] WKYT. (2022, March 16). Kentucky State Capitol Renovation Project Gets $260 Million. Retrieved October 15, 2022, from https://www.wkyt.com/news/local-news/kentucky-state-capitol-renovation-project-gets-260-million/
[8] WKYT. (2022, March 16). Kentucky State Capitol Renovation Project Gets $260 Million. Retrieved October 15, 2022, from https://www.wkyt.com/news/local-news/kentucky-state-capitol-renovation-project-gets-260-million/
[9] WKYT. (2022, March 16). Kentucky State Capitol Renovation Project Gets $260 Million. Retrieved October 15, 2022, from https://www.wkyt.com/news/local-news/kentucky-state-capitol-renovation-project-gets-260-million/
[10] WKYT. (2022, March 16). Kentucky State Capitol Renovation Project Gets $260 Million. Retrieved October 15, 2022, from https://www.wkyt.com/news/local-news/kentucky-state-capitol-renovation-project-gets-260-million/
The $290 million renovation of Kentucky State Capitol will not only touch upon the arts, with plans for extensive upgrades and improvement of visitor experiences, but it also involves the finance and business sector, as the renovation is a significant investment by the state. With delays in material deliveries and complexities of working with a 115-year-old historic structure, it is expected that the industry, particularly the construction industry, will be heavily involved in the eight-year project.
