Renovation work on the second phase of a lengthy project taking place at the State Capitol building in Kentucky is about to get underway.

Renovation of State Capitol and Capitol Annex Underway in Frankfort

A significant renovation project is underway at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Building in Frankfort, Kentucky. The multi-year, multi-million-dollar project aims to breathe new life into these historic structures.

The renovation of the Capitol Dome, which has not undergone major work since 1955, is the first phase of the project. The structure of the dome is being completely rebuilt, with the replacement of 80-year-old terracotta tiles, installation of waterproofing, structural repairs, and removal of algae and other organic materials. The historic rules for renovating a building of this scale will be applied, given the Capitol's status as an enormous old building undergoing never-before-seen renovation.

The Capitol Annex Building, where legislative offices are located, has also received attention. Two temporary buildings have been erected next to the Capitol Annex to house the House and Senate chambers during the Capitol project.

The current phase of the Capitol Campus Renovation project is expected to be completed in 2023. In 2022, $260 million in bond funds were appropriated for Phase 2 of the project. However, Gov. Andy Beshear anticipates that the project may take longer than the original estimate and be more expensive.

The historic building next to the Old Capitol, built in 1830, has revealed unanticipated issues, adding to the challenges of the project. The company that will manufacture the new terracotta tiles for the roof of the Capitol is Ludowici Roof Tile, as they offer the only available type of such tiles.

Gov. Beshear has noted that legislative leadership is aware of the issues being faced in the project. Upon completion of the dome renovation, upgrades inside the Capitol will begin. The governor expressed his hope that the renovated Capitol will serve as a symbol of Kentucky's resilience and commitment to preserving its history.

As the renovation progresses, the Capitol in Frankfort can be seen with scaffolding around the dome. The current challenges faced by the project, including the availability of specific materials and the need for historic renovation techniques, are being addressed to ensure the success of this significant undertaking.

Renovation work on the second phase of a lengthy project taking place at the State Capitol building in Kentucky is about to get underway.