Architects present acoustic remediation plan and new broadcast studio for Capitol

Architects and acoustical engineers presented a scoping-level plan to reduce background noise and reverberation across several rooms of the Wyoming State Capitol, and described a new broadcast studio and control room for legislative and public broadcasting.

The design package divides work into three sections: (1) major mechanical maintenance (reducing mechanical ambient noise with fan-coil fixes and duct work), (2) a broadcast studio and control room build-out that will support the Legislature and PBS, and (3) architectural acoustic treatments (ceiling and wall absorption, drapery and targeted speaker reinforcement) for chambers and meeting rooms.

Why it matters: Lawmakers, staff and members of the public have complained that the building’s acoustics make debate and public events difficult to follow. The proposed measures aim to reduce mechanical noise and reverberation to improve intelligibility for in-person audiences, remote broadcast and recording.

Key elements of the plan - Major maintenance (mechanical): Henderson engineers proposed solutions to noisy fan-coil units, duct branches and air velocities. The firm described a replicable mechanical remedy for some affected rooms. Henderson and the team said those fixes could proceed independently once designs are finalized.

- Broadcast studio and control room: The proposed control room includes an acoustically isolated control space with an operator station and an adaptable broadcast set. The set is neutral in finish so multiple agencies can use it; built-in flexible screens and furnishings allow interviews, podiums or panel arrangements. Avant provided an allowance-level estimate for AV and special electrical systems.

- Architectural acoustic treatment: The design shows where ceiling-mounted acoustical plaster panels, wall-mounted absorptive panels and optional drapery would be installed. The report recommended ceiling treatment when the ceiling is the least architecturally intrusive place to add absorption, and suggested wall-based treatments or drapery in rooms with historic or ornate ceilings.

- Historic preservation and reversibility: Designers emphasized reversible attachments and historic preservation standards; moulding and panel additions were designed to be removable and sympathetic to existing profiles.

Costs and schedule The team reported a scoping estimate of about $3.0 million for the architectural sound-absorption package, $630,000 for the broadcast studio and about $340,000 for major mechanical maintenance, with contingency and a 25% premium incorporated into the estimate for phased work and access complexity.

Design schedule and next steps The project is at a 50% design stage. The design team expects to deliver 95% construction documents for the committee’s May review and 100% CD in late June or early July. Bidding and contractor selection would follow; the team said construction could begin in the fall with the intention of completing as much as possible before the next legislative session.

Points of discussion Legislators raised whether the glass rails at galleries should be removed to improve acoustics and whether drapery would be acceptable in the chambers; designers recommended consistent treatment in both chambers if either is undertaken. Members also discussed phasing — doing some mechanical fixes quickly while scheduling the more invasive ceiling and wall work later — and the cost trade-offs of doing all work under a single prime contractor versus staged contracts.

Quotes "We're trying to do as little harm to the existing structure as possible," said an acoustical engineer. "Anything we do should be reversible." (Acoustics consultant)

Ending The subcommittee directed the design team to proceed to full design documents while noting that decisions about chamber-level treatments (railings, drapery) may require additional policy discussion with chamber leadership before proceeding.