Project Details
Project Status
The Project is under budget and is approximately 95% complete as of August 7, 2008
The Project is ahead of schedule and completion is anticipated prior to the 2009 regular legislative session
Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
- 75% of material removed during demolition was recycled for reuse in other products
- Construction materials, including the field carpet used in the wings, were selected because of durability and recyclability
- Heating and cooling costs will be reduced by insulation in the perimeter walls, improved air handling systems, and new environmental controls
- Less energy and water will be used by high efficiency water heaters and low-flow fixtures that supply restrooms and break areas
- Less energy will be needed to light the wings because of occupancy sensors and daylight harvesting
- Precision operation of the HVAC System and elevators will be supported by high efficiency electric motors and digital controls
Health, Safety and Accessibility
- Water will be drinkable due to new copper water pipes that have replaced corroded pipes
- Reduced risk from toxic smoke or lead exposure in the event of a fire due to new data lines that are plenum rated, do not contain lead and will not produce debilitating fumes
- Reduced risk from hidden chimneys in the event of a fire since carpet-covered holes bored between floors have been filled
- Visitors who navigate and read by touch can use signs that include Braille
- ADA standards are met in all halls, offices, restrooms and alarm systems
- One restroom with a lift for greater accessibility will be found in both the House and Senate wings
- Touchless fixtures in restrooms improve sanitation while reducing water consumption
Utility and Building-wide Continuity
- Power capacity to accommodate growing needs of technology-dependent offices will be expanded in the wings with larger electrical transformers
- The wings will be visually connected with their respective chambers and the rest of the Capitol by features such as wood trim, light fixtures and custom carpet in the member floor lobbies
- Durable furniture that will serve for decades with minimal maintenance is being assembled by Oregon in mated, and upholstered with foods furnished by Oregon Leather
- Public access to legislative events is enhanced by televisions in public areas that broadcast Capitol cable television
"Our all-in costs will finalize at around $285 per square foot. I am very comfortable with the price performance of this program at this point. The fact that the construction contractor is ahead of the schedule makes that performance even more remarkable." - Lou Tarnay, Quality Assurance Consultant with Heery International Inc.
Project Background
In the late 1990s a series of health and safety issues were identified in the Oregon State Capitol wings.
Among these were defective water pipes, hazardous wiring conditions, a lack of adequate electrical circuits, and substandard heating, ventilation and air conditioning capabilities. After an initial plan for replacing just the piping, wiring and ceiling was developed, it was determined that it would be most cost effective to address additional areas of concern in the wings as part of the same project. A committee consisting of representatives from leadership, caucus offices, desks, legislators’ staff, Legislative Counsel, Legislative Fiscal, Legislative Revenue and Legislative Administration was assembled to recommend a final design to Legislative Leaders. This plan was originally approved during the 2001 legislative session, but following a change in the economic climate, only the hearing room portion of the plan was completed. In 2006, the Public Commission on the Oregon Legislature reviewed the original plan and unanimously recommended proceeding with the Restoration Project.
Construction
The Capitol Restoration Project includes a complete renovation of the interior portions of the Jason Boe Memorial Senate Wing and Phil Lang Memorial House Wing. Major components include:
- Thousands of feet of corroded pipe will be removed from the wings, where the water is currently undrinkable.
- Several miles of out-dated and improperly installed computer cables will be removed, which can potentially catch fire and spew toxic smoke. Fire safety in the Capitol is a major concern, especially since Oregon’s first two statehouses were destroyed by fire.
- The electrical system will be upgraded to meet increasing electricity loads from modern office equipment.
- Fire alarms and fire suppression systems will be upgraded to meet current standards.
- Energy-efficient lighting will be installed.
- Elevators will be upgraded to comply with building code.
- More than 32,000 square feet of walls, and more than 102,000 square feet of carpet need to be removed in order to replace the electrical and plumbing systems.
- The original worn and outdated carpet and office furniture will
be replaced.
Schedule
- August 1, 2007: House wing is vacated
- September 1, 2007: House wing construction begins
- September 1, 2007: Senate wing is vacated
- October 1, 2007: Senate wing construction begins
- February 4, 2008: Special Session of the Oregon Legislature begins
- November 1, 2008: Construction on both wings completed
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