VCC Summer-Fall 2021

Legislators and visitors who returned to Capitol Square for the first time in over a year for the recent special session likely noticed a few changes to the historic grounds. The Department of General Services is in the midst of multiple construction and renovation projects that will result in substantial changes to the Capitol Square Complex after 2021. For now, that means construction fences and closed spaces, but visitors soon will see improved amenities and facilities all across the complex. Some changes already are obvious. DGS finished work to replace the skylight at the Capitol portico plaza just in time for the start of the special legislative session August 2. The former skylight was replaced with a new granite compass rose inset on the plaza exterior, and a grand new lighting element in the main landing of the Capitol Visitor’s Center. The impressive new lighting element over the Thomas Jefferson statue is approximately double the size of the former skylight, at over 28 feet in diameter. Made in Virginia, the lighting element will be programmed to mimic typical daylight changes. Visitors also will note the absence of the 10-foot bronze Harry F. Byrd statue, which DGS removed July 7 at the direction of the General Assembly. Three additional projects will be completed later this year. Security enhancements at North Drive include a new entrance that is reminiscent of the 1865 entry gate, the addition of retractable bollards and replacement of the existing Division of Capitol Police post. These additions will provide for a more secure vehicular entrance to the grounds. Just around the corner from the North Drive entrance, DGS is replacing the concrete sidewalk adjacent to Capitol Square with a herringbone brick paver pattern consistent with others in and around the Square. Six in-ground planters were removed, and light fixtures will be installed to match those on Capitol Square. In addition to a more aesthetically pleasing western border to Capitol Square, the completed project will result in a broader walking path and increased visibility. On the eastern side of the Capitol Square Complex, the 76-year-old Ferguson Building, located between the Madison and Monroe buildings, has served as a maintenance shop for years. By the end of 2021, it will reopen as a K9 training facility for Capitol Police. In 2022, major renovations will be complete on two historically significant buildings around Capitol Square: Morson’s Row and Old City Hall. Morson’s Row, located on the east side of Governor Street behind the Executive Mansion, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Italianate-style houses resemble the row housing known as “bow front” that were popular in Boston around the same period in which they were constructed in the 1850s. After purchasing the three buildings in the 1970s and ’80s, the Commonwealth used them for agency office space. Once restoration of the nearly 170-year-old buildings is complete, they will return to state office use. The renovation of the 23,000-square-foot, four-story buildings also includes construction of an additional 7,000 square feet that includes a tower that will serve as the main entrance and other building elements that will connect the three townhomes. While the renovation will provide a modern workspace, it will keep intact historic details like the ornamental marble mantles in the former parlors. The exterior also has been returned to its original cream color. On the north side of Capitol Square, Old City Hall is well known for its Gothic Revival style. Next spring, the National Historic Landmark will reopen following the most comprehensive renovation since it was constructed between 1886 and 1894. DGS is restoring the roof and exterior stone walls to their original condition, replacing all of the electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems, refurbishing all 861 historic windows, making the building ADA-accessible and installing elevators that are up to current standards. The courtrooms are being restored to their original conditions and the atrium will return to its original wood and a more historically accurate paint scheme. New clock hands will replicate the original wooden ones, as the clock tower is restored to its working condition. DGS also will replace the skylight to allow natural light to stream into the atrium. Once complete, it will house the Division of Capitol Police, Department of Human Resource Management, Division of Legislative Automated Systems and Capitol Square Preservation Council. Next door to Old City Hall, construction is breezing along on the new General Assembly Building and its accompanying parking deck. The new 414,000-square-foot building is rising on the same site footprint of its 320,000-square-foot predecessor. Get Ready for Historic Architectural Change By DENA POTTER 4 V irginia C apitol C onnections , S ummer /F all 2021 See Get Ready for Historic Architectural Change, continued on page 6