Capitol restoration updates: Fourth Floor, glass floor, East Lawn and planned chamber ceiling inspections

Executive Director Rob provided a series of project updates at the Nov. 3 Michigan State Capitol Commission meeting, reporting progress on interior restoration and grounds work as well as plans for future inspections of the House and Senate chamber ceilings.

Fourth Floor ceiling: Rob said work on the Fourth Floor East Wing ceiling is substantially complete, with scaffolding removed. North Wing touch-ups remain; he said painting and final detailing should finish and scaffolding will be removed by the Thanksgiving break so legislators and staff will not encounter tarps or work when they return.

Grand Stair project: A previously introduced Grand Stair restoration project will be paused for one to two years. Rob said the pause is necessary because Representative Schuette currently occupies the adjacent office and the commission must maintain ADA access at all times. Design work will continue but full construction is deferred to a later date to avoid extended scaffolding that would impede access.

Glass floor restoration: Phase 1 of the glass floor restoration is complete, Rob said, and phase 2 has 60% of the glass procured. Contractors named in the briefing included Lansing Glass Installation and Lucid Glass Restoration (Rhode Island). Rob explained the work required tight tolerances on glass cutting and cast-iron framing; once all phases are complete and grout weathers in winter, the transitions will become less visible.

East Lawn landscaping: The commission-approved plan calls for targeted tree removal Nov. 6–8 and new plantings Nov. 10–14, with cleanup to be finished before the Silver Bells in the City event on Nov. 21. Rob asked commissioners to note those dates as visible activity begins on the grounds.

Chamber ceilings investigation: Rob reported that architects and consultants will inspect the House and Senate chamber ceilings during a week in January; he said he has coordinated the timing with House Clerk Scott Starr and Senate Secretary Dan Oberlin and that the commission will develop a detailed scope and schedule for work tentatively targeted for 2027.

Portrait conservation: Rob presented a brochure and reported successful conservation work on the portrait of Governor Fred Green by conservator Julian Baumgartner in Chicago; the portrait is currently on display in Heritage Hall and the commission expects to send another painting for conservation next year.

Rob said he will continue to update the commission as designs and schedules are finalized. No formal votes were taken on restoration items at the Nov. 3 meeting.