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JLMC briefed on State House renovation plans; next designs will focus on accessible entry, atrium and corridor
Summary
Committee members heard an update on State House renovation planning, including prior schematic approvals, higher-cost redesigns and a plan to return within a month with scaled designs prioritized for accessibility and a secure entryway.
The Joint Legislative Management Committee received an update April 17 on proposed renovations to the State House and was told working-group designers will return within about a month with revised, scaled designs that prioritize an accessible, secure entryway, an atrium and a corridor to the Lincoln Hallway.
Presenters said the State House dates to 1859, is a National Historic Landmark, and last saw a significant update in 1987. An earlier special committee (Act 69 of 2023) and a working group approved a schematic for an $11.5 million addition on Dec. 15, 2023. Subsequent design work by the architectural firm Freeman French Freeman produced a more extensive design in the $24 million range; the committee asked for scaled-down options that meet core goals without the larger price tag.
Presenters listed core goalposts for the next round of designs: a visible, secure entryway and atrium; a corridor connecting that entry to the Lincoln Hallway; improved ADA access including a stretcher‑compliant elevator and a better ramp to the cafeteria; and options to support future add-ons. The working group emphasized the project will likely have downstream "domino" impacts on adjacent areas such as parking and traffic flow.
Committee members pressed for scope and costing that reflect these domino effects. Representative Boyle said parking and accessible parking capacity must be considered alongside the building work; presenters acknowledged current accessible parking is fully assigned to legislators and staff and said they will examine parking in design development. Senator Clarkson asked whether the atrium would provide a welcoming, staged space for school groups and visitors; presenters said visitor orientation, coat/gift shop consolidation and a quieter reception area are among contemplated uses.
The presenters outlined a tentative schedule for the design phases: design development (roughly 26 weeks), construction documents (about 14 weeks), BGS review (about six weeks) and bidding/negotiation (about 10 weeks), putting ground-breaking roughly a year after final design approval depending on funding and scheduling decisions. No committee vote was taken; members were asked only for feedback to guide the next design submission, expected within a month.
