State Capitol, Senate office projects move forward

Posted: 4:00 pm Fri, January 3, 2014 By BrianJohnson Finance and Commerce Tags: BWBR Architects, Cass Gilbert, HGA, HGA Architects and Engineers, JE Dunn Construction, Minnesota Department of Administration, Minnesota State Capitol, Minnesota State Capitol Preservation Commission, Mortenson Construction, Senate office building, State Office Building 4:00 pm Fri, January 3, 2014

Renovation work on the State Capitol is shifting from interior wall demolition and abatement to roof, mechanical and electrical upgrades. (Staff photo: Bill Klotz)

Construction in and around the State Capitol complex looks to heat up in 2014.

For starters, the $272.7 million makeover of the 108-year-old Minnesota State Capitol is transitioning into a new phase, as work moves from interior wall demolition and abatement to roof, mechanical and electrical upgrades.

And planning is moving forward for a proposed $90 million Senate office building project just north of the Capitol, despite a lawsuit seeking to stop the work on the grounds that the project didnt go through the proper legislative channels.

As for the Capitol, the Minnesota State Capitol Preservation Commission is scheduled to meet Jan. 21 to approve work packages 2 and 2A, which include roof repair and replacement, mechanical and electrical equipment installation, and removal of concrete floors slabs.

Roof repairs are expected to start in May, said Wayne Waslaski, director of the Minnesota Department of Administrations Real Estate and Construction Services division.

We are doing some lead abatement work at the moment, Waslaski said. For the most part, demolition has been completed.

The multiphase project, scheduled to be completed in late 2016 or early 2017, addresses a host of deficiencies in the Cass Gilbert-designed building, including outdated and inefficient systems, crumbling stone, and lack of accessibility.

Planning is moving forward for a proposed $90 million Senate office building project just north of the Capitol. (Submitted rendering)

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State Capitol, Senate office projects move forward