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Capitol director reports progress on ceilings, glass-floor restoration and East Lawn plantings; grama stair project paused
Summary
Executive Director Rob updated commissioners on substantial progress on 4th-floor ceiling restoration, glass-floor phases, upcoming House and Senate chamber ceiling investigations, East Lawn tree removal and replanting schedules, and a temporary pause on the grama stair project for ADA and logistical reasons.
At the Michigan State Capitol Commission meeting on Nov. 3, Executive Director Rob provided a multi-item update on ongoing restoration and conservation work at the Capitol.
Rob said scaffolding on the 4th Floor East Wing has been removed and work is substantially complete, with touch-ups remaining. Scaffolding removal in the 4th Floor North Wing will begin Nov. 10, and work in the West Wing — where most of the project occurred — is expected to be finished and scaffolding removed by Thanksgiving. The H424 conference room is receiving decorative ceiling work to match its counterpart across the hall.
Rob said the grama stair project will be paused for one to two years to address ADA access and logistical concerns tied to the use of nearby offices during construction and to allow dust and scaffolding to settle before restarting the detailed work. He described continuing design work while postponing physical execution.
On the glass floor restoration, Rob reported phase 1 is complete and phase 2 is under way, with about 60% of the glass removed and prepared; vendors named included Lansing Glass Installation and Lucid Glass Restoration (Rhode Island). Rob said the restored sections will blend over winter when grout color evens out.
Rob also noted an architects' investigation of the House and Senate chamber ceilings is planned for January; he said the work will be scheduled to avoid interfering with legislative business and that final scope documents and schedules will be shared with the commission as planning proceeds.
Rob provided dates for East Lawn tree removals (beginning Nov. 6 and targeted completion Nov. 8) and planting (roughly Nov. 10–14), aiming for completion before the city's Silver Bells event on Nov. 21.
Portrait conservation work by conservator Julian Baumgartner of Chicago was highlighted; a restored portrait of Governor Fred Green is on display in Heritage Hall.
Rob closed by thanking staff and pointing to increasing public tours and outreach, and commissioners offered praise for staff efforts.
