The first phase of state Capitol renovations almost is done, Missouri's Office of Administration said last week.
"The anticipated completion date for Phase I is Dec. 23," OA spokeswoman Ryan Burns told the News Tribune Friday. "This will allow for 2017 Inauguration ceremonies to occur on the south side of the Capitol as they have in years past, if so desired."
For a number of years, state officials have been concerned about water leaking into the building, either through the walls or from the ground.
The West staircase and walls were repaired and waterproofed several years ago.
Lawmakers last year approved a new major bond issue program, including $40 million for the Capitol.
Burns said the Capitol's multi-phase renovation and repair project is being done in combination with HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning system) modifications or replacements, which were approved as part of a previous state budget.
The combined work, Burns noted, "will eliminate water infiltration throughout the sub-structure of the building and eradicate the air and moisture that is currently being pulled into the building."
The work is intended to "help extend the life of the building by essentially sealing and waterproofing the exterior building envelope," Burns added. "It will also improve the overall appearance, structural stability and water shedding capability of the building."
Phase I of the Capitol project focused on foundation and waterproofing issues.
The first phase work includes renovations or repairs to the:
Exterior stone terraces, south steps, east steps, and east and west carriage drives.
"These areas are receiving a new waterproofing membrane that will replace the system installed in the past, which has exceeded its useful life," Burns explained.
Existing concrete substructure that has deteriorated over the years because of water penetration.
Stone work on the governor's upper terrace, where mortar and sealant joints have failed and are allowing water to get into the building.
Building terraces.
Burns said that work generally will "consist of replacing or repairing damaged stone; concrete support beams and slab; storm drains; waterproof sheet membranes; and joint materials."
Phase II is expected to begin next year and involves joint replacement and general cleaning of the entire Capitol.
Phase I has been done during the last year, but Phase II is expected to take 21/2 to three years, Burns said.
That work will include:
Renovation and repair of the exterior stone faades and dome.
"Faade work will specifically assess and repair the stones for cracks, spalls (splinters or chips) and open joints," Burns said. "Some stones have been displaced and will be reset.
"All stones will be checked to see that they are anchored securely and will be cleaned."
Removal and/or replacement of uplights and warning lights on the upper dome.
Replacement of stone pavers and edge stones on the North Plaza and adjacent flanking sidewalks and on the sidewalks and stairs directly off the north drive that lead to the Governor's Portico.
When that work is done, Burns said, "The surface will be more conducive to pedestrian traffic."
Repair to the North Plaza retaining wall that overlooks the bluff, railroad tracks and river.
Various stone repairs for the Centaur Fountain pool rim and edge stones on the North Plaza.
Repair, restoration and waterproofing of balustrades (which is a "railing supported by balusters, especially an ornamental parapet on a balcony, bridge or terrace").
Removal and waterproofing of the terrace-level balustrades and repair or renovation of balustrade lighting.
Truman Building needs
Separate from the Capitol project, but possibly occurring during some of the same time as the Capitol's Phase II work, could be repairs on the Harry S Truman Office Building's exterior.
The building was constructed and opened in the early 1980s.
"After the failure of a single limestone panel on the exterior," Burns noted, "as an immediate precaution, exposed fasteners were installed (on) all of the exterior stone panels, to prevent any additional anchorage failures."
OA "then began the process of conducting a full, structural engineering assessment and architectural investigation of the building," she said. "This analysis will allow for the design work necessary to prepare the required bidding documents and solicit contractors for the full project."
Although that full project hasn't been defined, Burns said, officials think the scope of work could include:
Engineering evaluation and design of fastening methods to assure the permanent re-anchorage of all limestone panels.
Repair and/or replacement of damaged and deteriorated stones.
Replacement of all sealant joints and flashings at the building's windows and doors.
Cleaning of stone that has been stained.
Repair of the granite stone paver areas at the building's entrances.
Correction of under-slab drainage issues that are contributing to the failure of a number of stones at the building's base.
"The anticipated timeline for the project would allow for construction to begin in the spring of 2017," Burns said, "with a tentative completion date by the end of 2017 - pending weather or other unforeseen impediments."
She said the project is included in the OA Facilities Management Design and Construction long-range plan.