2017 Directory

41 schemes will be showcased in the Senate and House Chambers. Throughout the building, dropped ceilings have been used to cover MEP systems. With new systems organized in vertical chases, the dropped ceilings can be removed and the monumental ceiling heights restored, exposing previously hidden historic decorative elements, such as coffered ceilings, cornices, ornate col- umns, and arched doorways. Natural light will transform the building with the removal of the dropped ceilings, as windows throughout the Capitol were partially blocked by the lower ceilings. Skylights and daylights throughout the building are also being restored, which will flood the building with natural light. On the east wall of the House Chamber, three historic windows that were filled in during the 1970s will be restored. Monumental corridors will be restored to their original intended beauty by removing elevators and other features that were added over the years. Historic wood balustrades, doors, and wainscot will be restored. New windows, true to the original architecture, but with insulated low-E glass, will be installed. Public access to activities occurring in the Capitol has been greatly improved with the redevelopment and expansion of public hearing rooms. Within the Capitol proper, there will be five public meeting rooms: the restored Su- preme Court Chamber, two new public meeting rooms at the west end of the first floor, a room for the legislative appropriations committee on the third floor, and an enlarged ceremonial conference room on the first floor. The below-ground Capitol Extension to the Her- schler Building will be expanded to accommo- date public space needs that cannot be met in the Capitol. Six large meeting rooms seating between 75 and 100 people, along with a conference cen- ter, future auditorium, student learning center, and visitor center are planned for this space. As part of the Capitol’s rehabilitation, all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems are being reorganized in vertical chases from the garden level through the attic, removing unnecessary piping and ductwork and allowing for more efficient systems. Two new elevators and interior staircases will help address egress issues. The existing elevators have been removed from the monumental corridors. The internal staircases in the House and Senate Chambers will extend to the garden level, providing a second means of egress in an emergency. Restrooms will be located on every floor on both the east and west sides of the building. The Herschler Building remodel and expan- sion will include a new stone exterior that has been designed as a modern rain screen using proven technology to control water and pro- vide a healthier overall interior. The interior design will be open providing natural daylight A comparison of what the ceiling of the Capitol Rotunda looks like today (black and white photo) and a rendering of the original 1888 design (on the right, in color). The removal of the elevators return the monumental corridors to their original width. This photo is taken from the first floor west wing. The former elevators, too small for a gurney and often breaking down, are being replaced with larger versions and relocated out of the monu- mental corridors. Continued on page 42 Plumbing is being installed in the east wing on the fourth floor, next to a vertical chase. New restrooms will be located on every floor on both the east and west sides of the building. Prior to the renovation, the main public restrooms were only on the garden level. All mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems have been reorganized in four vertical chases, which run from the garden level through the attic. This vertical chase is in the west wing on the south side of the building.