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State Capitol Restoration Restoration of the Georgia State Capitol: 1994-2007 The Commission for the Preservation of the Georgia State Capitol was established in 1993 by an act of the General Assembly to oversee the restoration of the building. One of the first recommendations issued by the Capitol Commission called for Historic American Building Survey (HABS) documentation of the building to be conducted by the National Park Service. Lord, Aeck & Sargent, Inc., an architectural firm with expertise in the historical preservation of public buildings, was retained in 1996 and has continued to work with a team of consultants dedicated to the sensitive treatment of the state’s historic landmark. Winter Construction was hired as construction contractor. The Georgia Building Authority manages the restoration project. The Capitol has remained open for business while most of its significant spaces have slowly been transformed to regain their former glory. Restoration of the atria, rotunda, and public corridors was the first phase of the initial work. This has included restoration of plaster, refurbishing of marble and oak wainscoting, and replication of historic finishes and historic light fixtures. Projects in these areas included replacement of the clerestory windows, installation of the light stanchions at the grand stairways, rehabilitation of the fourth floor ceiling and installation of a new heating, ventilating and air conditioning system. Later, the marble floors were removed section by section, cleaned and repaired or replaced, and finally re-installed. The House and Senate chambers and the Appropriations Room have been returned to their original paint colors, stencil patterns, and decorative finishes based on historic photographs and extensive paint analysis. The new carpet in these rooms replicates the original in weave and pattern. During this rehabilitation process many historic features were uncovered. In many places, coffered and vaulted ceilings had been concealed by acoustical tile. Fine wood wainscoting was hidden behind paneling and elaborate decorative finishes covered with many layers of paint. Throughout the Capitol careful paint analysis was done to determine colors and, in many cases, uncover original stencil patterns hidden behind layers of plaster and paint. All of the stenciled decoration in the chambers and Appropriation Room was redrawn and applied to newly finished surfaces. Public area furnishings were restored or reproduced. Lighting fixtures were recreated from photographs and produced, some as simple as wall sconces and others as elaborate as the massive tiered chandeliers in the chambers. Necessary technical systems were incorporated and tastefully integrated into the restored interior. The Georgia Capitol Museum on the fourth floor received extensive rehabilitation based on a new interpretive plan. Objects displayed in the redesigned Victorian cases tell the story of the building—its history, architecture, events, people and politics, and the old museum. Portraits, plaques, and statues have been conserved throughout the Capitol, and a newly created Hall of Valor on the first floor is now home to a state of the art display and storage of historic battle flags. Because of its expansive flat roof, the Capitol has been plagued with water leakage since its construction in 1889. Water damage from the previous copper roof has resulted in the replacement of the atria ceiling plaster for the second time in less than 10 years. Until this work can be finished, protective netting catches fallen plaster. In 2004, a new roof was designed using an exceptionally high quality membrane roofing system and was completed in 2006. Once the atria plaster ceiling has been replaced the natural light from the clerestory windows will again dart about the formal spaces. At night, the newly installed outside lighting illuminates the gold dome with its statue of Freedom, making a dramatic statement for our capital city. Miss Freedom, the signature statue that tops the gilded dome, was removed for her own personal conservation. The statue was taken down by helicopter, trucked to Canada, and refurbished from her time worn condition back to stately splendor. A hollow copper clad statue, Miss Freedom is 22 ½ feet tall and weighs 1250 pounds. The electrical switchgear (distribution center) has been removed from the center interior of the building and placed on the north side Capitol grounds. Much of the details of renovation are hidden structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems that will enhance the lifespan and function of the building. A comprehensive fire protection system has been installed and documented for the entire Capitol. Exterior cleaning and restoration of outer surfaces of the building included limestone masonry repair, windows, sidewalks, and landscaping. Work is not finished. A master plan provides for continued restoration and rehabilitation to return our Capitol building to its original grandeur and to provide proper maintenance for its upkeep. Our Capitol is a source of pride for all Georgians; and we will continue to be good stewards in caring for it. Restoration Pictures We continue to look for artifacts to tell the story of Georgia's Capitol. If you have historical memorabilia you would like to donate, please contact the Georgia Capitol Museum at: tfrilingos@sos.state.ga.us or 404-656-2846 |
