Renovation: Overview

Why Now?

They had such a wonderfully clear vision. The people had fought for the republic, the State had been admitted to the republic, now a building was needed for the process of democratic government. The will of the people of Kansas had been heard. The vision of a structure previously unseen in Kansas, a temple of democracy. A grand classical capitol building, built from the very bedrock of Kansas limestone, towering above all, as good if not better than the nation's capitol -this was their clear vision for the Kansas Statehouse.

Perhaps the Governor and Legislature of 1866 would have shied away from their vision if they had known the struggle which lay before them; a true struggle lasting 37 years, until 1903, when they declared their gorgeous Capitol complete. Through good and bad financial periods, the citizens paid for their capitol, the focus of their pride and belief in the future of their State. The capitol symbolized the forging of civilization from the raw wilderness.

Unfortunately over time, this clear vision has become obscured.

As time marches on, materials deteriorate and building systems become obsolete. Technological advancements require new telecommunicationand infrastructure. Expectations for quality of the workspace rise ever higher, and appreciation of the State's heritage is heightened. In this context, the historic integrity of the building has eroded, stone is falling from the exterior walls, the systems are well beyond their useful life, and hazardous materials and conditions abound in and around the building. Our task is to turn a 19th-century monumental historic building into an efficiently working 21st-century state capitol.

Maintenance has been deferred to the degree that the condition of the building is now spiraling downward. Now is the time for the building to undergo comprehensive preservation to restore it to its rightful place as the Pride of Kansas.

What Needs to Be Done?

Historic buildings, such as the Kansas State Capitol, present a variety of difficult obstacles. Often objectives for modern building use are in conflict with preservation goals. Safety enhancements may come at the expense of historical integrity through alteration of the historic fabric. To effect a comprehensive improvement and preservation program requires great sensitivity and creativity.

Conservation of building materials is of utmost importance, including a sound roof, gutters and downspouts that work, replacement of deteriorated stone, repair of broken marble, preservation of deteriorated plaster, restoration of historic paint finishes and decorative painting, conservation of murals, and restoration of the original lustrous finish of the copper and bronze metals. Building systems, including mechanical and electrical, need total replacement. Hazardous materials need to be removed from the building. Fire and smoke alarm systems, fire suppression systems, and other life safety systems need to be installed. Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act is required. All of these are necessary to make the building safe for visitors and occupants.

The building spaces need to be used as efficiently as possible, with improved workspaces for the workforce, improved telecommunications systems, and wise use of energy. The Capitol needs to serve its citizens well. School children should have the opportunity to learn their civic lessons in this building. Visitors should be able to appreciate the history of Kansas and the role that its Capitol has played. It is a symbol of the pride Kansans have in their state and their hope for the future. A renovated and preserved Capitol continues to be the source of great pride that Kansas citizens have invested in this grand building for more than a century.

Next Steps

The Historic Structure Report (HSR) and Master Plan for the Kansas State Capitol were completed in the summer of 2000. Additional detailed studies will be necessary for investigation of refinishing the decorative metals, and identifying decorative paint schemes. Both of these restoration techniques have previously been part of the restoration of the Hall of Representatives and the Senate Chambers. Additional estimating will be completed to refine costs with even greater accuracy. The State's leaders, as the stewards of the Capitol, realize the preservation of the building, and the modernization and upgrading of systems are a timely and necessary project. The on-going stewardship of the Kansas State Capitol now requires a commitment to the preservation of the State's most important historic landmark for its future generations.

Monoculars, microscopes, spotting scopes and fiber-optic borescopes have allowed the Building Conservators an in-depth vision of the Capitol's physical health and hidden treasures. Space reviews plus interviews and discussions have allowed the Master Planners to evolve a new vision for the Capitol's future uses. These technical and creative efforts have provided current focus to the wonderfully clear vision of the Capitol's founders, and taken it forward for the next generations. The founders did not hesitate in the creation of their vision, nor were they timid in its execution, neither can we be in the Capitol's preservation.

Kansas State Capitol Renovation: