Capitol Investment

It may look like stone, but the Texas State Capitol dome is made of wood and metal and paint. And from the ground, it may look in perfect condition, but metal rusts and wood splits and paint fades. So today the State Preservation Board has announced a major renovation of the dome, starting as early as March 2010.

There is no structural issue, but on even functionally cosmetic work like this, access is tough that high up. So next year, once a project management firm and a general contractor are hired, scaffolding will be put on inside and out over the entire dome (starting on the seventh floor, which is above the areas open to the public anyway). This will not affect the rest of the building or any of its daily operations. However, it will mean the dome will be covered with scaffolding and a protective wind-and-weatherproof sheath.

It's a pretty clear "to do" list, designed to prevent bigger, more structural repairs later on:

• Fix pinhole rust in the sheet metal covering the dome
• Assess the sheet metal and decorative fixings for thickness and make sure they are safely attached
• Remove asbestos on eight level roof decking to allow better drainage
• Repair window frames
• Clean the Goddess of Liberty statue
• Paint the structure with primer and at least one coat of UV-resistant paint

The entire project should cost between $2.25 million and $2.5 million, paid from leases, parking fees, and Capitol Grill and gift store revenues. It should be completed by December 2010 (just in time for the next lege session).