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DES outlines repair options and price range for State Reception Room vandalism; insurance engagement pending
Summary
DES presented repair options and wide cost ranges to fix vandalism and attempted fires in the State Reception Room, including onsite patching, shipping a historic Mohawk wool rug to a conservation loom, teak‑floor repair/refinish options, and drapery repairs; the matter will return as a decisional recommendation in July pending insurer adjuster evaluations.
DES summarized damage and repair options following an October break‑in and attempted fires in the Legislative Building’s State Reception Room. The supplemental FY26 capital appropriation provided $250,000 for repairs; DES reported about $20,000 has been spent to date and roughly $229,000 remains available.
Damages and repair options: • Rug: a historic Mohawk wool rug (about 25.5 by 55.5 feet) suffered two burned areas, including an estimated 28 square feet in one quadrant. Options range from on‑site cutting and reshaping (lower cost) to shipping the rug to a specialized loom in New York for conservation and reweaving (higher cost). Shipping and conservation could push some options toward the high end of the range listed (~$300,000 including shipping). • Teak floor: several discolored/burned areas; options include spot repair (~$8,900) or full refinish (~$22,000), with full refinish requiring temporary removal of furnishings and the rug. • Drapery: Mohair drapery and tassels sustained burn/heat damage; repair options include patching with faux velvet or redyeing original material at differing costs.
DES said it is engaging the insurer and expects adjuster assessments in May; insurance determinations will affect the final decision path. DES will present a decisional recommendation for the reception‑room repairs at the joint supplemental meeting on July 23, 2026, after insurance feedback and cost clarifications.
Next steps: DES will continue coordination with insurance, refine cost estimates for each repair option (including conservation shipping and on‑site alternatives), and provide a recommendation in July for the committee to vote on.
