Renovation work has begun on the north wing of the Illinois State Capitol. The renovation will include the construction of an underground parking garage, the removal of the circle drive on the north side of the Capitol, and the inclusion of a new entry that enhances access and security are all part of the plans. The planned upgrades will cost a total of US$224 million, which has already been allocated under the Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan. After the 2022 spring session, the Illinois Senate will meet at the Howlett Auditorium until January 2025, when repairs are projected to be finished.
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The restoration will also reintroduce part of the building’s history to the north wing, which was constructed in 1876 at a cost of US$4.5 million, by removing recessed ceilings, non-historic woodwork, and mezzanines. The subterranean parking garage’s construction will commence in the next weeks. The renovation’s purpose is to strengthen security by constructing a visitor screen area on the Capitol structure’s outside, eliminating cars from close proximity to the building, and installing electronic locking and lockdown capability, as well as duress buttons. There will also be an underground conference and meeting room space. The Capitol now has one handicapped-accessible entrance.
Commentary on the renovation of Illinois State Capitol
The west wing of the Capitol had a two-year, US$50 million makeover in 2011. When the price for three mahogany doors covered in copper was revealed, the makeover drew criticism. The original doors were replaced with glass and aluminum doors in the 1970s. “We are quite lucky to have a statehouse to be proud of.” Other states have statehouses that look like a high-rise in Chicago, so we want to take care of a historic structure, and regrettably, the older buildings need the greatest attention,” said Andrea Aggertt, head of the Office of the Architect of the Capitol.
