CHARLESTON, W.Va. – After a three-month long project to repair and restore the Lincoln
Plaza hardscape on the capitol campus, the plaza has reopened to the public ahead of
schedule. Two flower beds adorned with tulips, pansies, and other vibrant flowers now
frame the common area, showcasing the campus’s natural and historic beauty just in time
for warmer weather. An additional 16 flower beds can be found around the campus.
“Similar to the dome water intrusion project, this project was necessary both structurally
and to preserve the historic beauty of this public space,” said Dept. of Administration
Cabinet Secretary Allan McVey. “Safety is always our number one concern, so it was
imperative to ensure visitors aren’t met with crumbling concrete and that water isn’t
standing unnecessarily around the property and its main structure, leading to other
potential future issues.”
As part of this project, the General Services Division (GSD) worked with Persinger and
Associates, Inc., to repair, restore, and/or replace the limestone steps, pavers, and
fountains on the plaza; remove and replace the existing accessible concrete ramp; clean the
existing drainage system and fit the landing drainage system with new covers; repoint the
landing area brick and stone medallions for historic preservation; and more.
As we move into the warmer months, despite the main capitol still being closed to visitors,
state residents and out-of-state visitors alike are encouraged to visit the capitol campus
and take in the charming landscape. According to GSD Grounds Manager John Cummings,
the grounds crew planted 47,000 tulips on the campus this year. Those, in addition to 5,000
pansies, will have the campus blooming from March to May.
In the next two weeks, the GSD grounds crew will plant an additional 37,000 summer
annuals, as well as place 100 hanging baskets around the capitol campus. During the
growing season, the flowers will be continuously watered, unwanted plants and weeds
removed, and water-soluble/foliar fertilizer appropriated, as necessary.
West Virginia has made it known that it is the place for outdoor and social distancing
activities and visiting the state’s capitol campus is no exception.
To view photos of the flowers located on the Lincoln Plaza,
visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/govjustice/albums/72157718891443466.