Welcome
The Capitol Restoration Project is a 16-month project that addresses major health and safety issues in the 30-year-old Capitol wings. This site will be updated often with the latest project news, photos and video clips, so check back frequently. Also, please send us your comments and suggestions for improving this site, so that we can keep you better informed during the project.
For suggestions or comments email (capitol.restoration@state.or.us) or call us at 503-986-1848.
Below are links to information about the Capitol Restoration Project.
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:
Schedule and Budget
Construction Cost: $24.1million
Non-Construction Cost*: $10.0 million
* Architect, engineer, furnishings, communication systems, relocation expenses
On December 30, 1855, fire swept through a newly occupied Statehouse, completely destroying the structure. The Holman Building, in the business section of Salem, served as a temporary Capitol from 1859 until another one was completed in 1876. On April 25, 1935, fire again destroyed the elegant Statehouse patterned after the U.S. Capitol. Francis Keally with the New York firm of Trowbridge & Livingston designed the current building, which was dedicated October 1, 1938. A four-story structure of Modern Greek architecture, it was completed at a cost of $2.5 million and is the fourth newest Capitol in the United States. The exterior is faced with white Danby Vermont marble. The rotunda, the halls, and all of the lobby areas are lined with a warm, delicately polished Rose Travertine from Montana. The floor and staircases of the rotunda utilize large squares of Phoenix Napoleon grey marble from Missouri with borders of Radio Black marble from Vermont. The Capitol Wings, completed in 1977 at a cost of $12.5 million, added further space for legislative offices, hearing rooms, support services, a first floor galleria, and underground parking. The beauty of the entire Capitol plan is enhanced by its utility. Spacious hearing rooms provide Oregonians an opportunity to participate in legislative decision making and to view state government at work.
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 (HVAC) 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, legislator staff, Legislative Counsel, Legislative Fiscal, Legislative Revenue and Legislative Administration was assembled to approve final design, choose interior colors and fabrics and select office furnishings.
The 74th Legislature approved the Capitol Restoration Project in June 2007. Between July 2007 and November 2008 an enormous amount of work is taking place in order to ensure that clean water and safe power are available in the Capitol wings for years to come.
1855 - December 30, Fire destroys Oregon’s newly occupied Statehouse. The building was a two story wood structure.
1859 - Holman Building served as temporary Capitol until a new building could be completed. The Holman Building was located in the business section of Salem.
1876 - Oregon’s second Capitol is completed. The Capitol was modeled after the United States Capitol.
1935 - April 25, Oregon’s second State Capitol is destroyed by fire
1938 - October 1, Dedication ceremony takes place for the current Capitol
1977 - June 10, Capitol Wings dedication ceremony takes place in a special joint legislative floor session
1996 - Facilities Services staff begins flushing water from pipes in the Wings weekly to ensure building occupants have clearer water during the week.
2001 - 72nd Legislative Assembly approves renovation to address health and safety issues in wings, Galleria, and Hearing Rooms A-F
2003 - Jan. 9, Capitol wings project funding is removed from E-Board agenda
2002 - Aug. 2002 through Nov. 2002, Hearing Room A - F Renovation is completed
2005 - July 29, SB 1084 Creates Public Commission on the Oregon Legislature (PCOL)
2005 - Dec. 15, PCOL tours Capitol infrastructure
2006 - Apr. 14, PCOL Facilities Committee approves recommendation that the Legislature proceed with wing renovation
2006 - May 22, Full PCOL approves the committee recommendation to Legislature to proceed with wing renovation
2006 - Jul. 24, PCOL Facilities Committee - Discusses and approves the recommendation to develop a comprehensive plan for all renovations and consideration of additional buildings on the mall
2006 - Aug. 14, Full PCOL approves the committee recommendation to Legislature to develop a comprehensive plan
2006 - Nov. 13, PCOL adopts final report recommending Capitol Renovation
2007 - April 30, Permit & estimating process begins
2007 - Jun. 29, Budget is approved
2007 - Sept. 1, House wing construction begins
2007 - Oct. 1, Senate wing construction begins
2008 - Nov. 1, Construction on both wings completed
Legislators and staff are vacating the wings this summer, and construction will begin September 1st. The project is scheduled to be completed in November, 2008, prior to the next regular session scheduled for January, 2009.
During construction, affected staff will be relocated to other parts of the Capitol, and some offices will be temporarily moved to a nearby annex. The older section of the Capitol will remain open during construction, and the project will not impact the Special Session of the Legislature planned for February, 2008. During the project, citizens can contact their legislators at their district offices. Contact information for all legislators can be found on the legislative website (www.leg.state.or.us), or by calling 503-986-1000.
Capitol Restoration Project Open House Thursday, June 8, 2007
Raw
video from the 2002 A-F hearing room renovation
Governor Robert Straub
Senate President Jason Boe
House Speaker Phil Lang
Thomas Vaughan, Executive Director, Oregon Historical Society
Larry Margolis, The Center for Legislative Improvement
Dave Henderson, Legislative Administrator
Address: 900 Court Street NE, Room140A, Salem Oregon 97301
Phone: 503-986-1848
Email: capitol.restoration@state.or.us