Kentucky's Capitol
(2009-10-28)
Listen Now:
null
The rotunda's five historic statues are now encased in plywood boxes, to protect them from damage. Scaffolding being erected around and above the statues eventually will rise 174 feet to the ceiling of the interior dome. The dome is modeled after the Hotel Des Invalides in Paris, France, which rises above Napoleon's Tomb.
Photo by Tony McVeigh (Click image to enlarge)
(CLICK ARROW ON BAR ABOVE TO HEAR TONY'S REPORT)
Workers have already protected the rotunda's five historic statues, by encasing them in huge plywood boxes. Now, they're erecting the scaffolding needed to reach the ceiling of the dome, 174-feet above, which needs a fresh coat of paint and new lighting. David Buchta of Historic Properties says the project has been three years in the planning.
"There's 115,000 pounds that will be on this floor and these I-beams, there's 24 of them and they weigh 500 pounds each," Buchta told Kentucky Public Radio.
Buchta says engineers are confident the building can support the added weight. The rotunda's four historic chandeliers are also being restored, and have already been removed. The project is scheduled for completion prior to the start of the 2010 General Assembly in early January. Until then, the rotunda is closed.
(ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE PROJECT)
David Buchta of Historic Properties says the renovation work is long overdue.
"We have not had this type of cleaning, this type of painting, this type of restoration with the lighting and everything since 1955," said Buchta. "So, this is almost over 50 years that it's taken to get to this point. If we're going to preserve this great building, we've got to take time to do these sort of projects every now and then."
The work is part of ongoing efforts to spruce-up the Capitol for its centennial celebration next year. The Beaux Arts style building, which cost $1.8 million to construct, was dedicated in June, 1910.
© Copyright 2012, WEKU
