By Tom Latek –

It’s not just the exterior of the State Capitol Building that is undergoing renovation. Some work inside is also underway.

Visitors are finding the door to Room 100, which is the lobby area leading to Gov. Matt Bevin’s office, is closed.  A sign outside the door tells people to go to Room 133, which is the Constituent Services office, located on the opposite side of the Capitol.

Bevin’s spokesman Woody Maglinger said the governor has initiated a project to refresh the complex, which houses the governor’s suite and accompanying senior administrative offices. Renovations will include painting of interior walls and installation of new ceiling tiles, light fixtures and carpeting.

Room 100 at the State Capitol Building is getting some work done on the inside. (Kentucky Today/Tom Latek)

“Unlike remodeling efforts of previous administrations, this project is being paid for exclusively through privately raised funds (excess inaugural reserves),” Maglinger said.  “Gov. Bevin wants Kentuckians to be proud of their Commonwealth and to have the best possible experience when they visit their public facilities.”

During last fall and winter, the front, or north facing side of the building, received a deep cleaning as well repairing the mortar joints, re-caulking windows and restoring the balustrades, which is the limestone railing around the Capitol.  That project, performed by Williams Restoration from Tennessee, cost about $1.2 million, according to Finance and Administration Cabinet spokesperson Pamela Trautner, who believes it was the first time that side received such attention since the building opened in 1910.

Currently, the other three sides, including the south facing part of the building, which looks toward the Capitol Annex, is receiving the same type of treatment, Trautner said.  “Midwest Maintenance of Piqua, Ohio, has the contract for the that project.  The total amount is a little over $800,000, and is supposed to be completed by Oct. 10.”
She says there’s not as much growth and algae on these sides of the building as there was on the north side, which is why it’s costing less.

Details on the timeline for the Room 100 work have not been released, nor an estimate of the cost.

Tom Latek can be reached at [email protected]