By Tom Latek
Kentucky Today
FRANKFORT – A second phase of renovation work is now underway at the state Capitol in Frankfort.
During the fall and winter months, the front, or north facing side of the historic building’s exterior was thoroughly cleaned and repaired, with new mortar applied, and the limestone railings restored.
That project, performed by Williams Restoration, based in Tennessee, cost about $1.2 million, said Finance and Administration Cabinet spokeswoman Pamela Trautner, who believes it was the first time that side received the attention since the building opened in 1910.
Construction crews are giving the state Capitol an $800,000 facelift to preserve the historic building. (Kentucky Today/Tom Latek)
Now, Trautner said, the other three sides are receiving the same type of treatment.
“Midwest Maintenance of Piqua, Ohio, has gotten this contract,” she said. “The total amount is a little over $800,000, and is supposed to be completed by Oct. 10.”
Trautner said the cost is less because there isn’t as much algae growing on the remaining three sides of the building that receive more sun.
The scaffolding system should be less obtrusive than during first phase of the project.
“They’re using what is called a rig scaffolding system, kind of like what window washers use on high rise buildings, with the rigs on the roof and the workers lowered to do sections at a time,” Trautner said.
In places where it’s not feasible to use the rig, they will use traditional type of scaffolding, primarily at the center part of the building.
Work also is continuing on the walkway in front of the Capitol Annex, where lawmakers and some executive branch employees have their offices.
