2017 Directory

40 WYOMING ARCHITECTURE .17 | www.aia-wyoming.org O ne of the most visible symbols of the State of Wyoming, the iconic gold-leafed dome of the Wyoming Capitol, has disappeared behind scaffolding for much-needed renovation. This work is tak- ing place as part of the larger Capitol Square Project to restore Wyoming’s architectural crown jewel. The disappearance of the dome is just the latest development in a comprehensive effort to reno- vate and restore Wyoming’s Capitol complex. Three guiding principles have controlled the approach to this massive effort: preserving and restoring of the most important building in Wyoming, increasing public access to the activ- ities of government, and enhancing the func- tion of the spaces within the Capitol complex. The Capitol Square Project is comprised of four interrelated components: restoration of the Capitol; replacement, relocation, and expansion of the central utility plant; expansion of the below grade Capitol Extension to the Herschler Building; and rehabilitation and expansion of the Herschler Building. The $300 million project is on budget with completion expected in mid-2019. Among the most notable historic features in the Capitol building is the restoration of the two-story grandeur of the historic Wyoming Territorial House Chamber. This spectacular room, complete with an ornate stained-glass laylight in the ceiling, two-story windows, and a second-floor balcony will become the Capitol’s largest public meeting room. The 1889 Consti- tutional Convention was held in this room. The Capitol’s National Historic Landmark status is attributed to the women’s suffrage debates that occurred here, making it one of the most historically significant rooms in the country. When the Capitol was expanded in 1890, this room became the Supreme Court Chamber for the next fifty years. Historic paint studies have revealed extensive decorative paint patterns in this Chamber. The trompe l’oeil pattern discovered dates back to 1888. This style of painting is an art technique that creates an optical illusion that the depicted objects exist in three dimensions. The project team is investigating the costs to restore the 1888 pattern in the Supreme Court Chamber, as well as in other portions of the 1888 section of the building. The 1917 decorative paint BY SUZANNE NORTON, AIA Wyoming Capital Square Project – Update Capitol project aims to restore historic grandeur while improving public access and functionality The restored Historic Supreme Court chamber is envisioned in a watercolor design sketch. The stained glass laylight and the chandelier were in another room and will be returned their original location in the historic chamber. Plaster and Cast Iron Column Capital –When the dropped ceilings were removed, a unique column capital was discovered on the first floor in the 1890 portion of the building. The project is looking into the feasibility of replicating these columns in the Ceremonial Conference Room. A historic paint study in the Territorial House Chamber revealed a trompe l’oeil pattern dating back to 1888. The study shows how each element appeared in the two-story chamber so that it can be replicated. A floor that divided the historic two-story room for many years has been removed, opening up the full height of the Chamber. With the restoration of its balcony, this roomwill be the largest public meeting space, seating 70, in the Capitol.