The Capitol Restoration Commission recently approved plans to start the massive project with the construction of a 561-car parking garage under the north lawn of the Statehouse. The schedule calls for the first dirt to be turned in late September or early October. Secretary of Administration Dan Stanley said the garage was added to solve long-standing problems of access and aesthetics. In addition to improving the appearance of the Capitol, the garage will provide much-needed parking for visitors. Now, visitors are often forced to circle the building until one of the few spaces that isn't designated for legislators, elected officials or building staff opens up.
Legislators have parking.
He said the parking garage will help achieve that goal, as will plans to enlarge hearing rooms and legislative offices. The updated plans also call for the addition of a visitors center on the north face of the Capitol. A circle drive will provide access to the garage and visitors center from S.W. 8th. Bill Groth, the Statehouse architect charged with overseeing the renovation, said when the center is completed, visitors will enter the Statehouse at what is now the basement level. To make the area more accommodating, the current maze of dark storage rooms and utility pipes will be replaced with brightly lighted classrooms, a cafeteria and new offices.