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Commission schedules survey of House and Senate chamber ceilings; work forecast for 2027
Summary
Commission staff said architects will begin a thorough investigation of the House and Senate chamber ceilings to develop scope and staging for cleaning and paint restoration, with a projected schedule beginning in 2027 and significant coordination slated with chamber officers.
Commission staff told the Michigan State Capitol Commission that architects and consultants will soon start an in-depth survey of the House and Senate chamber ceilings and that any restoration will require careful scaffolding and scheduling to avoid disrupting legislative sessions.
Why it matters: The chamber ceilings are ornate and include historic paint, gold leaf and glass panels that have not seen full restoration since the early 1990s; work will affect high-visibility spaces and require coordination with the House and Senate officers.
Executive Director Rob Blackshaw said the ceilings and chambers require “a deep cleaning and the paint restorations since they have not been touched since the early 1990s.” He described the complexity of staging scaffolding “and not shut[ting] down session” while preparing a project schedule and said he currently forecasts the work taking place in 2027.
Blackshaw said he would have ongoing discussions with “Clerk Star and Secretary of Senate Oberlin” about how the work would affect chamber spaces. He described the work as a multi-stage effort involving investigation, a scope of work, strategic planning and scheduling.
The commission did not take a vote on the ceiling project at the meeting; Blackshaw said staff will bring details and a schedule for review and commission discussion as plans firm up.
Ending: Staff advised commissioners to expect multiple future briefings as consultants complete assessments and the commission is likely to be asked to approve work phasing and any alterations that affect chamber operations.
