Governor's Column by Dave Heineman

State Capitol Honored with Restoration Award

July 24,2009

Dear Fellow Nebraskans:

The state capitol is the seat of state government, a destination for tourists and visitors and a symbol of the ideals and the history that make our state unique. Recently, the National Park Service recognized a decade-long effort to restore both the interior and exterior of our state capitol with an award for historic preservation.

Now 85 years old, our state capitol was designed by Bertram Goodhue who created a vision for the capitol that stood apart from all others. It was the first state capitol to depart from echoing the look of our national capitol with a skyscraper as the main feature instead of the traditional dome. It was also the first to have details of native plants, animals and cultural histories woven throughout the building that help tell the story of our democratic government.

During the past 10 years, contractors and artists have been working to restore the building, including the ongoing restoration of capitol office spaces and updates to the exterior masonry scheduled for completion in 2010. In addition, every Arbor Day since 1998 fourth grade classes have raised money to help replant the grounds and complete the historic landscaping plan originally developed for the State Capitol at the time of its construction. It has also included detailed cleaning of a dozen murals and mosaics lining the foyer that leads to the rotunda, revealing their brilliant colors and textures.

One of the most significant projects was the top-to-bottom cleaning and restoration of the Norris Legislative West Chamber and Lounge. Last summer, these areas were filled with scaffolding that created a temporary floor 40 feet above the desks used by state senators when the Legislature is in session. The maze of scaffolding and platforms were brought in piece by piece for the first detailed cleaning of the walnut ceiling and limestone walls since the Capitol was built.

The project included fixing a prominent water leak and restoring the ornate gold leaf designs of the westward migration on the exposed beams of the ceiling. The chamber was finished with a new glass entrance weighing half a ton. It is a rare contemporary addition designed to provide an unobstructed view of legislative proceedings.

Today, conservators are restoring a prominent mural in the capitol’s law library and roofers are installing a new and more durable copper roof which should dramatically reduce leaks in the building in the years to come.

There have also been some behind the scene updates. Earlier this month, those who work in the capitol were invited to tour basement workshops and meet the team that maintains the surrounding landscape, gives tours, restores original furniture and finishes, and oversees the daily operation of the capitol. These skilled craftspeople and professionals include preservation architects, an archivist, a mason, a hardware conservator, furniture conservators, and specially trained personnel who preserve the historic character of this landmark building.

Their painstaking work today ensures our state capitol remains a showpiece for future generations of Nebraskans. The award presented in recent weeks is an important acknowledgment of their achievements.

If you haven’t seen the result of this extensive cleaning and restoration effort, I hope you’ll make a point of touring the capitol during your next visit to our capital city.