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* The SJ-R has a great story about the history of the Statehouse…

The Capitol that opened in 1877 was much different than today’s ornate building.

The main floor was considered the basement then, with a grand staircase leading up to the second (or executive) floor. […]

In 1886, the stairs to the second floor were torn down and a balcony created outside the governor’s office. The former basement became the entrance.

At about that time, the building was decorated and the walls hand-painted.

Go read the whole thing.

* The Question: What’s your favorite part of the Capitol building?

Let’s try to avoid snark, please. The Statehouse is a strikingly beautiful building, and I’m truly curious what you enjoy most about it.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 10:43 am

Comments

Rm 114. I love the ceiling painting restoration.

Comment by ChitownHV Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 10:46 am
The mysterious inner dome and the “secret” door leading to it.

Comment by Chicago Repub. Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 10:46 am
For me it’s looking up and seeing the stained glass. Beautiful!

Comment by fan of cap fax Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 10:51 am
The way the steps are worn thinking of the amount of shoe leather that it takes to do that.

Comment by OneMan Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 10:55 am
Two favorite places: 212, and 1M (at least in the north wing; I haven’t been on 1M anywhere else), where the beautiful carvings along the ceiling are practically at eye level. Oh, and the LRB library is pretty cool, too. Assuming the creaky old elevator makes it up there… that always makes me nervous.

Comment by Yossarian Lives Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 10:56 am
The dome interior is awesome. More than anything I like the open-ness of the entire building - it creates a feeling that the public is invited in.

I also like the re-habbed senate committee hearing room on 2, room 212 maybe? It’s awesome, although a bit overdone - the wooden arches over the committee seats are way too pretentious.

contrast that with the awful JRTC building which was supposed to be “open” but in my opinion is the least user / visitor friendly public building anywhere - I hate that place

Comment by siriusly Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 10:58 am
===the wooden arches over the committee seats are way too pretentious. ===

That used to be the Supreme Court room. Blame them. lol

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 11:02 am
The committee room where they hold the Senate Executive Committee is my favorite room. My favorite part of the building is the ceilings, so ornate & colorful.

Comment by TCB Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 11:02 am
Truthfully, as a visitor, I was disappointed with the Illinois State Capitol. When I am traveling outside of Illinois, I oftentimes try to visit the capitol buildings in other states. Many other capitols function as living museums. My chief disappointment is that Illinois tourists do not get much of an opportunity to see too much in Springfield. So many of the building’s areas are largely off limits to visitors in comparison to other states.

What’s the point of having commissioned statutes of prominent Illinoisans only to place the figures high above the first floor where no one can actually see the features of the bronzes? I could give other examples, but I will try to keep this brief. I did like visiting the Old State Capitol, but the difference was that tourists visiting that building are permitted to examine things more closely. I appreciate the need to keep the offices and legislative chambers off limits, but I think that guided tours should explore more of the building on dates when the legislature is not in full session. There are some great things in Springfield, but most people do not get to see those things. My experience was similar to watching a football scrimmage along the goal line from the opposite end zone.

Comment by Esquire Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 11:05 am
I’ve always loved the view of the building from the outside as I’m walking to it from Capitol Street near Lincoln’s statue. It’s a beautiful building, as impressive on the outside and the work being in done inside, the People’s Business.

One thing I don’t care for though is the renovation that split the second floor. When you see the half-windows in the Senators offices it looks silly and hints at how impressive the entire window must have been before the floor was cut in half.

I know people have talked about demolishing Stratton and replacing it for years, but really, that needs to happen. I doubt even if most Senators’ offices were relocated that it would ever be possible to restore the original second floor, but it’s nice to dream about what that might look like.

I love our Capitol Building.

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 11:14 am
Jesse White’s Office. He makes it feel so warm and friendly.

I’ve always wanted the dome tour though.

Comment by NIref Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 11:15 am
Almost everything about it.

Standing in the center and looking straight up at the beautiful stained glass.

Looking out over the hustle and bustle from the vantage point of the gallery.

Sitting on the floor, facing the Speaker’s dais and considering all those who came before.

Walking up and down those stairs, riding the creaky elevators or even passing by the old building and considering the good men and women among our predecessors.

Memories of different moments and conversations with both friends and rivals at certain points in the building.

Comment by Shock & Awww(e) Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 11:19 am
I’m with OneMan on the steps. They never fail to make me wonder for a moment. There’s an old store on Main Street in Chandlerville with front steps that do the same thing to me.

Comment by Way Way Down Here Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 11:21 am
To me the Second Floor is the showcase of the Statehouse. If you stand next to the windows on the south end on a sunny day, the light hitting the wing with the Lt. Gov’s office and 212 makes you realize how stunning the building really is.

As far public access to areas goes, I presume it is a balance between the building being a “living museum” and the fact it is a working building with hundreds of staff members having offices there.

Comment by Give Me A Break Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 11:22 am
The Governor’s office could use some improvements, however. And I don’t mean that in terms of people.

The interior doesn’t seem as majestic and awe-inspiring as those in some other states. Not sure why.

It just feels like it’s missing something in a way that has nothing to do with the person sitting in the chair.

Comment by Shock & Awww(e) Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 11:22 am
===Not sure why.===

I agree and think it has something to do with it being so dark. It’s in a bad corner for sunlight, and the dark wood and carpet don’t help.

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 11:26 am
I’m a sucker for urban spelunking so the tunnels are my favorite part. Makes you feel like you’re really not supposed to be there which makes it all the more fun to be!

Comment by thechampaignlife Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 11:27 am
I’ve always been partial to the murals in the north and south halls.

And of course the rail, where the action happens. And by action I mean dinner plans and the “did you hear what happened last night” stories.

Comment by The Captain Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 11:29 am
Chicago Repub referred to the secret door leading to the inner dome. Back in the day when I was a Page we found that door and used to climb all the way to the top of the dome. Pretty dirty with lots of dead birds but I loved doing it every once in a while. I don’t think I could find that door anymore.

Comment by Stones Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 11:32 am
There are so many cool places in the Capitol, but if I had to single one out it would be the hanging stairs that jut out from the wall of the outer dome and connect to the upside down circular staircase that takes you the final 25 feet up to the cupola. The whole contraption is held in place by wires. They have done some work to it in the last decade or so, but the first time I went up to the top, in the 80’s, the whole thing swayed like a legislator singing at Bauer’s! Between the bird crap and the dirt, it’s certainly not the pristine tour that the dome of the US Capitol or St. Peters is, but it is the best behind the scenes place in Springfield. Climbing out to the ladder to the flag at the VERY top of the dome is the ultimate. I haven’t been all the way to the flag pole, but I’ve got some great photos from the hatch.

Comment by Kent Gray Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 11:33 am
@NIref

And Jesse White’s office ceilings are the prettiest of all of them, in my opinion. It’s probably because my favorite color is blue.

Comment by TCB Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 11:39 am
The capitol building makes me think of the impossibility of doing anything as nice or beautiful today. What state official these days would stand up for the importance of beauty, majesty, or a sense of reverence for the importance and significance of democratic government and working together as a state for the common good? The very idea that government is a worthwhile endeavor and deserves to be conducted in an environment of decorum and grace is anathema to many today, and to the rest, is an idea to be discarded as over-expensive twaddle.

Comment by lincoln's beard Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 11:40 am
It’s an awesome building but I think the hyper-activity around the Brass Rail when the GA is in session is a striking, real-time, real-life visual picture of the democratic process, warts and all.

By contrast, when the GA is gone, you could ride your bike around the rail naked without interference.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 11:40 am
Good call, @47th Ward!

Never thought of that. In reading your post, however, it immediately feels like you’re right on.

Comment by Shock & Awww(e) Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 11:40 am
Standing in the center looking up at the Dome. The first time I saw it I was blown away. And all the tons of marble inside the whole thing.

Comment by 3rd Generation Chicago Native Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 11:42 am
The “tower” offices, that are up inner staircases of the small towers, that have some incredible views. The stairs are a pain, and its quite narrow, but once you get up there, its pretty incredible.

It also reminded me how old the building was and the living history as you go to these “tower” rooms. To see 20th and 21st century technology (computers, printers, etc.) in these gems of rooms is pretty neat too.

If you get the chance, get up to one.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 12:02 pm
Another really cool thing, but is “gone” now, was, back in the day, on the House side, the offices when they were actually the “Speaker’s Office” on the other side of the Well.

Through the Well’s side doors, wether it was Madigan or Daniels, when you saw that glass sign, lit “Speaker’s Office”, … you walked down that corridor, that gave you just a “quick chill” …

The idea of first going through the side door of the Well, that is cool.

Then, seeing the inner offices, inside the offices, and the signage … yeah, no matter the Speaker, when that was the “Speaker’s Office” …

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 12:18 pm
TO look up, and the one senate committee room with the painted murals or whatever they are on the walls.

Comment by Ryan from Carrollton Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 12:22 pm
Contrasting the difference between it, and the Old Capitol. Both very impressive buildings.

For snark purposes, seeing it in my rearview mirror…

Comment by Cincinnatus Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 12:24 pm
As far as the interior goes, the stained glass inner dome.

From the exterior, the view from Capitol Street … which would be even better if the rail traffic was moved to 10th street and the ugly bridge removed.

Comment by Retired Non-Union Guy Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 12:31 pm
The Dome, its striking from the inside.

I don’t know if its because when I was a kid running around as a page I never noticed it through all of the cigarette smoke - but when they renovated it the transformation was amazing.
I know that was a long time ago but to this day if I look up and see it I always seems to stop and admire it - even if only for a few seconds. For that to happen - stop walking at a fast clip - when I am in the capital pretty much says it all.

Comment by Moderate REpub Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 12:50 pm
The exterior. I have some friends who lobby in Denver. You see that State Capitol from the steps to their office. When they were visiting in Springfield we drove by the Capitol. One looking out said, “That is what a Capitol is suppose to look like.”

Comment by Bigtwitch Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 12:50 pm
I second Lincoln’s Beard. It is the #1 example of what we can do when we invest for future generations.

I have often said that if you were to suggest building another Capitol today, you would be laughed out of the state. But if you were to propose selling the Capitol to pay off some bills, you would also be laughed out of the state.

Comment by Colossus Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 12:51 pm
My favorite art in the building is the painting of the stevedores unloading ship cargo, and the steelworkers pouring and shaping metal. Those murals scream out of Chicago’s early days, and the dreams of immigrants in a new frontier.

When I first came to the capitol in the 80’s the erosion of the stairs was very much more pronounced; it’s been refurbished since then and mostly leveled-out, but darn, you could easily turn an ankle on those old worn steps back in the day, and I too was amazed at how many shoes for how many years it took to erode those deep, dish-like spots into each step.

When my kid was about five, I took him on a tour for the first time. I wish I’d had a camera to record his reactions, as he innocently trotted towards the statue of Illinois Welcoming the World and then… looked up… and immediately squatted down while staring up at the immense dome, as if he’d just seen the face of God. After he had time to adjust, we looked down from the fourth floor railings, but his favorite thing maybe was the tunnels near the Rat, with all their pipes and wires. It’s like you’re a bacteria walking thru the circulatory system of some leviathan.

Speaking of tunnels, every time I walked down the long tunnel with it’s pools of light, from the capitol to the Stratton, I would be reminded of Patrick McGoohan in the opening title scenes of “The Prisoner”, where he’s marching to the boss’ office to deliver his resignation.

Comment by Newsclown Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 1:02 pm
Probably the……. Sorry,can’t do it without snark.

Comment by earl Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 1:08 pm
As a former House staffer there were times when I would be in the Capitol at 2 or 3 in the morning. Standing on the second floor in the dark with just the very top of the dome lit up always made me think of all of the history that the Capitol holds. It made having to work all of those crazy hours special in some way.

Comment by The KQ Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 1:14 pm
The 1893 Columbian Exposition statue in the Rotunda “Illinois Welcoming the World.” That woman had her hands out for cash back in the 1980’s - and I was in the Capitol in January 2012 and she still hands her hands out for a campaign donation. As an 18 year old summer janitor, I recall dusting that awesome statue. Ahhh the memories….a trip through the magic door to the dome and the view of the horizon with the “Forum 30″ being the next tallest building. People asking about the location of the Capitol well because the water in the huge glass bottles tasted so fresh (ummmm Springfield tap).

Comment by anonymoose Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 1:29 pm
Also the dome. I worked in and around the capitol when the dome was being cleaned and renovated. The first time I came into the capitol after the job was completed and all the scaffolding was removed, I was dumbstruck. It was like looking at jewels embedded in the dome ceiling. I still stop in the center of the rotunda and look up whenever I am on the first floor.

Comment by Gail Purkey Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 1:36 pm
I love the elevators. Fast, ornate and roomy.

Comment by Team Sleep Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 1:48 pm
I can see the christmas lights from my house near Lake Springfield.

Comment by Y2D Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 1:53 pm
The Offices of Rep. Skip Saviano and Sen. Donne Trotter.

Comment by Dirty Red Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 2:06 pm
===The first time I came into the capitol after the job was completed and all the scaffolding was removed, I was dumbstruck. It was like looking at jewels embedded in the dome ceiling.===

Fully agreed. Nobody knew how beautiful it was until a hundred years of dust and smoke residue was finally removed.

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 2:15 pm
===The Offices of Rep. Skip Saviano and Sen. Donne Trotter. ===

Nothing to see there. Move along.

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 2:17 pm
When approaching the Capitol Building from a distance, the dome is really eyecatching and almost gives you a sense of reverance when you think of Lincoln and all the history of our great state.

Comment by Objective Dem Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 2:31 pm
The exterior all lit up at night.
It’s an architectural marvel.

Comment by Jake From Elwood Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 2:57 pm
Taking all my kids there and letting them run loose, they love the echos, their obnoxious and it was their future wages spent in it’s remodeling, so it is appropriate.

Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 4:03 pm
The oversized doors. It just captures what Illinois has histroically been about.

Comment by Don't Worry About the Government Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 4:06 pm
Ran into a couple last evening as I was leaving the Capitol–they wanted to go inside but tours were closed (little after 5pm). I struck up a conversation and found they were from Germany–decided to give them a tour myself. When they approached the rotunda and looked up at the dome they were awe-struck. I looked up and could see why–it is magnificent!

Comment by sonny Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 4:25 pm
My personal favorite is room 212, with all the detail and the mid-19th century version of “Justice” on the ceiling - including the ten commandments on her lap signifying that although the role of the Judiciary is to interpret legislative and executive branch actions, there is a higher standard that we all are bound to…

I find that visitors on tour are most taken by the House chamber, and those chandeliers that block the vision of persons sitting in the gallery.

Comment by Capital View Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 4:28 pm
besides my old cube in Rm 408 with the Executive Bathroom…

walking under the GRClark painting up those marble stairs to witness the grandeur of that dome at night

great question Rich - thanks

Comment by 21st State Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 4:38 pm
The Rotunda. I love being there and saying so many diverse people with so many diverse issues.

Comment by southernillinois Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 4:43 pm
The view from the cupola right below the flagpole. It’s dirty and gross, but the view itself is magnificent and seeing initials and messages carved in the tin or whatever that surrounds it from literally decades and decades past makes you in a little awe. To get to the secret door, you pass a lot of staff offices.

Second choice is the walkway halfway up with dome with the marble pillars near the statue - you can see the beauty of the dome itself close up, see the statues and everything below. Amazing.

Aside from that, lots of good choices have been said - the worn marble stairs (really, how does that happen?), the scary staircase between the domes, 212, SecState’s office, the art.

I think those of us who spend or spent a lot of time there tend to take it for granted sometimes, but it’s an amazing building that you can find something new to awe you almost every day if you look. I can’t imagine what it would cost to build today - I’d like to see a legit estimate of that.

Comment by Thoughts... Friday, Mar 2, 12 @ 5:32 pm
The late Zeke Giorgi’s office, where the world wandered through and the Speaker’s conference room, where the real work took place. RIP Zeke! We miss you!

Comment by Idealist Monday, Mar 5, 12 @ 1:09 am