Finance and Administration Cabinet
Capitol Rotunda to Undergo Major Renovations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                         

Capitol Rotunda to Undergo Major Renovations

Rotunda to remain closed until first of the year

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 1, 2009) — In preparation for the state Capitol’s 100th anniversary, the Kentucky Division of Historic Properties will begin restoring the Capitol Rotunda during the first full week of October.

“The Capitol’s Rotunda has not been thoroughly patched, painted and cleaned since the 1960s,” says Historic Properties Director and State Curator David L. Buchta.  “Additionally, the fixtures currently used have not been rewired or restored since their installation in 1909.  We are fortunate to have our four original sconces and chandeliers in the Rotunda and it would be a special part of our Centennial anniversary in June 2010 to have them restored.”

The work will involve erecting scaffolding 170 feet to the top of the dome and performing plasterwork, painting, marble cleaning and associated maintenance. Energy-efficient LED lighting will be installed throughout the Rotunda and dome during the restoration. The five statues in the Rotunda will have wooden boxes constructed around them for protection, allowing them to be crated onsite.

The Rotunda will be closed from Oct. 7, 2009 through Jan. 1, 2010. The projected cost of the restoration is $450,000 and will be paid for by the Finance and Administration Cabinet’s Department for Facilities and Support Services (DFSS).

In addition, work will also be done on the exterior steps leading up to the front of the Capitol. This project will consist of removing all of the brick pavers and sub-grade material and installing a new drainage system before reinstalling the original clay brick pavers. The estimated cost of this project is $80,000 and will also be paid for with DFSS funds.

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