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* Chris Wetterich got a tour of the Statehouse renovations. The contractors have apparently run into a few problems with the footings for the basement ceiling pillars, which were much deeper in the ground than they’d anticipated. So, the price is going up and the completion time has been extended…
Nearly 11 months into the renovation of the Statehouse’s west wing, the progress is clear, but Capitol architect Richard Alsop believes the project won’t be finished until the first half of 2013 because of unexpected conditions that required a rework of the original renovation plans.
The $43.8 million project will probably also cost $3 million more than originally anticipated. Statehouse denizens exiled to the Stratton Building had hoped to return by January, when the next legislative session begins.
Among the biggest changes visitors and workers will notice when the project is complete is that the mezzanine level between the second and third floors has been removed. It previously housed private offices for the news media and the “blue room,” where elected officials and other newsmakers held news conferences.
The second floor now rises as high as the windows that allow a bountiful amount of light into the second-floor office space, which will be occupied by the Republican legislative and state treasurer’s staffs. […]
Also gone from the west wing is the basement cafeteria, which had to go partly to make the basement accessible to the disabled. The height of the basement floor varied, requiring ramps that were narrow and not usable for those with wheelchairs.
The new press room will be in the basement once the work is completed.
A couple of photos are here.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Jul 23, 12 @ 9:21 am
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I’m glad to see that the media is so valued that they’ve been moved to the basement. Do they have to sleep on mom’s couch next to a lava lamp too?
Comment by Boone's is Back Monday, Jul 23, 12 @ 9:40 am
To finish … It’s going to take about “two weeks” …
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jul 23, 12 @ 9:50 am
This sounds like every home renovation I’ve been through. Whatever they tell you at the start, plan for it to cost more and take longer.
Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Jul 23, 12 @ 10:09 am
The media mezzanine always seemed like an odd design. But I doubt if reporters are going to enjoy schlepping up from the basement.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Jul 23, 12 @ 10:10 am
Based on performance keep ALL pols/pol creatures
In basement. And well secured
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jul 23, 12 @ 10:34 am
If I couldn’t pay my credit card bill I wouldn’t remodel the basement.
Comment by chefjeff Monday, Jul 23, 12 @ 10:43 am
The new basement ceilings will be high enough to allow reporters to hang off the ceiling during daylight hours.
Comment by Cincinnatus Monday, Jul 23, 12 @ 10:44 am
Let’s not forget this is the people’s capitol…most of the redesign/renovations to date have limited, restricted public access and the public’s ability to see what was going on. (Note the frosted glass and screens on the House chamber windows…) Now they are removing one of the few public areas, i.e. the Rat. While I was never a fan of the food (understatement!), it was useful for people to meet and congregate. Now what is left?
Comment by Oh please... Monday, Jul 23, 12 @ 11:28 am
There’s still the spacious Stratton cafeteria
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Monday, Jul 23, 12 @ 11:42 am
==Let’s not forget this is the people’s capitol…most of the redesign/renovations to date have limited, restricted public access and the public’s ability to see what was going on. (Note the frosted glass and screens on the House chamber windows…)==
Seriously? What about the gallery and the real-time web cast of session and expanded web casts of committee hearings?
Comment by Pot calling kettle Monday, Jul 23, 12 @ 2:40 pm
Well, the gallery has always been there - but now there are long lines and pat downs, though the Speaker’s gallery with its tons of empty seats is off limits. And of course there is web access; its 2012. I am talking about the building itself…it is not designed to actually encourage non-professional citizen advocates to participate in the process.
Comment by Oh please... Monday, Jul 23, 12 @ 3:15 pm
Time to cut another $3,000,000 from schools.
Comment by Dude2617 Tuesday, Jul 24, 12 @ 1:48 pm