Committee hears CAMS update; concourse reopened, plaza set to open for cherry-blossom days

Jody Jones, director of the Capital Accessibility and Maintenance project (CAMS), told the Joint Committee on Legislative Administration on Jan. 14 that major renovation phases of the Capitol are complete but finishing work remains. "We've put your building back together ... after 1600000.0 hours, person hours of work on just phase 3," Jones said, summarizing the scale of the phase‑three effort.

Jones reviewed the project’s phases, saying early work created new mechanical and electrical vaults and that phase 3 included seismic upgrades (base isolation) that required extensive excavation and reconstruction. She described ongoing "punch‑list" work — paint touch‑ups, grout repair, woodwork, and other finish items — and said air‑balancing to regulate heating and cooling will continue through January, with punch‑list items carried into February.

The presentation outlined near‑term reopenings. Jones said the building’s courtyards will be accessible but the two marquees will remain off‑limits while architects determine how to attach them safely. Southeast and Southwest vestibules (staff entrances) and associated bathrooms are planned to reopen after the legislative session with badge access. Two meeting rooms will come online in stages: a ledge‑council–adjacent room expected in February and an internal fiscal meeting area expected in late spring.

Jones also noted continued exterior and art work, saying bronze window and door restoration will proceed "as money allows," and highlighted new boulder art installations on the east side of the building. She said the observation deck will be completed this spring (it had been delayed by scaffolding needed for regilding work) and that the State Street sidewalk will be removed and repoured due to surface defects.

On the schedule for public use, Jones said the front plaza is targeted to open for cherry‑blossom days in March, with plantings to follow when seasonal conditions permit. She added that CAMS trailers will be removed at the end of the month so crews can prepare for final work in Wilson Park, including reinstallation of tribal flags and replacing the nonfunctional Waite Fountain with a Waite Memorial Garden. Jones said CAMS staff expect to be out of the building midyear and off the grounds by year‑end, at which point the CAMS program will conclude.

Committee members asked practical follow‑ups. Senator Anderson asked about bright lighting in the new hearing rooms; Jones said she had not received formal complaints but would investigate. Representative Gomberg asked about historic artifacts removed during renovation; Jones said salvageable items were retained and repurposed in other parts of the building and that some materials have been used by the foundation in gift‑shop items.

The committee closed the informational session and moved to the legislative agenda.