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Attributed to architect Alfred Piquenard and completed in 1887, the current
capitol building features third floor House and Senate chambers in the south
and north wings, respectively. Interior renovations during the 1940s and
`70s destroyed or obscured much of the chambers’ Victorian details, the
extent of which was discovered through historic photographs and on-site
investigation.
Between 2005 and 2007, the project team preserved, restored and
reconstructed all aspects of the chambers. Modern mechanical, A/V and
electronic voting systems were installed, followed by a top-to-bottom
renovation of period finishes. An elaborate stained glass window was
reconstructed in the ceiling of the House chambers. Plaster moldings, wood
paneling and wall finishes were restored. New member desks were designed for
each chamber and carpets based on historic patterns were replicated by a
British mill. The jury called the restoration “a national model for other
states.”
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