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Commission hears updates on glass-floor restoration, chamber restrooms, decorative painting and portrait conservation
Summary
Executive Director Rob Blackshaw reported progress on multiple Capitol restoration projects: phased glass-floor replacement (five phases), summer work on senate chamber restrooms, installation of ballistic windows in the Governor's suite, Fourth Floor decorative painting by Evergreen Studios, and conservation of a gubernatorial portrait.
The Michigan State Capitol Commission received a multi-item update on April 7 about ongoing and planned restoration and conservation work inside the Capitol.
Executive Director Rob Blackshaw said crews from Lansing Glass Company and Lucid Glass Studio (Rhode Island) were on site to finalize installation tolerances for a multi-phase glass-floor restoration. He described a five-phase schedule; the first phase was expected to be completed by Memorial Day, with additional phases proceeding roughly every two months. He estimated overall project completion in January–February of the following year, contingent on manufacturing and installation rates.
Blackshaw also said the Senate chamber restrooms would be renovated over the summer during legislative recess, updating woodwork, basins and flooring; staff will coordinate timing with the Secretary of the Senate to avoid interfering with legislative functions. Separately, ballistic replacement windows for the Governor's suite on the second floor east will be fabricated from in‑building measurements taken during the recent legislative break and installed this summer.
On decorative finishes, the commission selected Evergreen Studios of New York City as the vendor for Fourth Floor decorative painting work after reviewing bids. Blackshaw said scaffolding will be erected and contractors mobilized this month with a projected September finish for the Fourth Floor program, and a favorable bid allowed an added alternative decorative section to be included.
Blackshaw reported the conservation team was removing a portrait of Governor Green (previously in the Republican caucus room) for treatment by a conservator (named in transcript as Baumgartner Restoration and referenced also as Bob Garner Restoration in subsequent commentary). He said conservation will include cleaning, possible paint repair, varnish removal and re-lining the canvas if recommended; the conservator will return a list of recommended treatments and estimated costs for each treatment option.
Blackshaw said staff will continue a staggered approach to interior projects to minimize public and legislative disruption and will return to the commission with updates as work progresses.
