CHARLESTON,
W.Va. – You’ve probably seen the scaffold going up around the dome
of one of West Virginia’s greatest buildings. It’s known across the state as
“The People’s Building.” Designed by Architect Cass Gilbert and dedicated on
June 20, 1932, the nearly 87-year-old Capitol building houses the West Virginia
Legislature and hosts various state employees and visitors to the campus daily.
With that comes the responsibility of the state of West Virginia to ensure the
safety of the Capitol’s occupants and visitors while also preserving the
historic aspects of the building.
In
January 2018, work began on a project to repair water leaks in areas where the
blue and gold dome meet the limestone. Over time, water damaged the plaster
between the windows visible below the dome. As part of the $13.52 million
project, drain pipes will be replaced, a secondary lining system installed, and
the gutter system updated. This work, which will provide new weatherproofing
for the Capitol building, is needed to ensure the strength of the building and
its structure, as well as its future.
“Completing
this required repair and maintenance work on our Capitol building will
guarantee that the next generation of West Virginians have a building that
showcases our great state for many years to come,” said Department of
Administration Cabinet Secretary Allan McVey.
Over
the coming months, the dome will be completely enclosed with a self-supported
scaffold system. The scaffold utilizes guide wires that allows it to stand
freely rather than anchor into the façade itself. Temporary protection will
remain in place on all sides of the construction zone, although the work is
expected to take place from the 4th floor up.
By the
project’s completion date, which is currently projected as early 2021,
employees and visitors to the campus alike will notice new interior finishes,
new five karat gold-leaf gilding to repair damaged areas of the exterior of the
dome, reconfigured portal windows, and clean limestone cornice stones below the
dome. Behind the walls, a separate project will replace clay tile with State
Historic Preservation Offices-approved CMUs.
Further
updates to the project will be made available as progress continues.
To
view photos related to this project, visit https://dev-administration.wv.gov/CapitolDomeProject/Pages/default.aspx.