By:
Representative Rosie Berger, House Majority Floor Leader
Senator Tony Ross, Chairman of Capitol Building Restoration Oversight Group
Senator Tony Ross, Chairman of Capitol Building Restoration Oversight Group
“You don’t build it
for yourself. You know what the people want and you build it for them.”
– Walt Disney
– Walt Disney
The Wyoming Capitol was completed in 1888 with the purpose
of creating a place where the people could participate in the legislative
process. Substantial additions were completed in 1890 and 1917. The last major
renovation was finished in 1980 and the building was added to the National
Historic Landmark program in 1987. However, after 35 years, the Capitol is once
again in great need of repair.
The list of required repairs is long. There are structural
repairs needing attention and updates to mechanical, electrical, and ADA code
requirements are in dire need. The building requires invasive restoration to
the historic features and the installation of smoke detection, fire
suppression, and smoke evacuation systems is required. 25 percent of the
building has no heating and cooling capability, piping and plumbing systems are
corroded, and wiring is old and brittle. Committee rooms are too small for
public participation, restrooms and elevators are inadequate, and the building’s
technology capabilities are inadequate.
The health and safety of the Wyoming citizens who visit the
Capitol and the legislators, elected officials, and staff who work in the
building is of the utmost importance. Making these improvements is necessary. Research
and planning has been happening since 2003 to restore and renovate this
building. Wyoming has been saving for years to fund the renovation and the
account now has over $100 million in it. We are now in the design development
phase and finalizing plans for temporary relocation during construction.
The Legislature has explored a host of options for
expansion, including building a new executive office building. Renovating the
Herschler building, which neighbors the Capitol, turned out to not only make
the most financial sense, but it allows for the creation of an entire Capitol
Square complex that keeps all the legislative and executive offices within a
short walking distance and easily accessible to the people of Wyoming.
We are proud that Wyoming is consistently ranked the best
run state in the country. We have considered how to keep the state running
efficiently when designing the layout for the renovated Capitol. To allow for
the highest level of collaboration and to reduce possible duplication of
efforts, keeping office staffs together was a high priority. The layout of the
offices brings together staffs that are currently in different buildings, as is
the case of the Governor and Treasurer’s staffs, as well as keeping the Legislative
Service Office personnel in one building.
The creation of a Capitol Square, with two buildings and the
connector in between, is central to tackling the larger issue of making sure
that there is room for the public to participate in the Legislative process.
The Capitol will hold more committee rooms that will be larger and will have
improved technological capabilities. There will be more space for the public to
attend meetings and be part of the policy making process. We hope that the
updated technological capabilities will increase the overall accessibility of
the legislative process to all Wyoming citizens. The additional restrooms and
more accessible elevators will also increase the comfort of visitors.
While the renovation project will bring the Capitol into the
21st century, specific attention is being paid to restoring and
showcasing the historical aspects of the building. The Capitol is one of only
24 Wyoming buildings on the National Historic Landmark list, it is incredibly
important to protect the historic value and features in the People’s House. The
building will continue to showcase Wyoming’s rich and storied history.
We serve the people of Wyoming and we are moving forward in
this historic process. We are working diligently to give her citizens a Capitol
that keeps them safe and allows for them to be more involved in the legislative
process, while restoring and highlighting the buildings historical features and
attributes. We are stewards of the state’s
resources and are mindful of the responsibility that carries.
