Capitol Projects & Initiatives

Exterior Door Preservation Project

08/01/2018 to 11/01/2018

The exterior doors that greet visitors to the Capitol are original 1888 construction. In addition to facing sun, rain, and wind for the past 130 years, they are currently used by more than 1 million visitors per year. Built of a thick layer of oak laminated over a core of white pine, the doors are hung on the largest of the massive "Texas Capitol" hinges found throughout the building.

This year, the SPB conducted a preservation effort on these important historic elements. The sensitive treatment included stripping loose paint, patching cracks and nicks, replacing perimeter sealants, and applying a fresh coat of protective paint to the exterior. Sweeps were replaced at the bottoms of the doors to keep out air and insects. New closers were installed to make these massive doors as easy as possible to open, while keeping them securely shut to keep out the elements. All historic hardware was restored to smooth function. Attachment points of hardware were reinforced to protect adjacent historic wood, and catches were adjusted to accommodate each door's unique shape without placing them under stress.

• Exterior Door Preservation Project

Capitol Exterior Deck Replacement

2018

The State Preservation Board (SPB) is currently replacing exterior decks at the Texas Capitol. These include the east and west exterior pedestrian entrance decks and the elevated decks at the north porch on the second and fourth floors. In Elijah E. Myers's original design, the east and west decks were to be covered with porticos similar to the existing north porch. The porticos were removed from the design in 1885 as a cost savings measure when changing the exterior stone from limestone to granite.

Currently, these decks serve as walking surfaces, but are also effectively roofs over the spaces below. Their waterproofing systems need replacement, 25 years after their installation in the comprehensive Capitol Restoration of the early 1990s. Water carrying damaging salts has been infiltrating through the decks into the structures below. As a result, SPB has observed rusting of important wrought iron structural elements, failure of mortar and plaster in the brick ceiling vaults and erosion of the original historic limestone walls below.

• 04/09/2018 - Deck Replacement Update
• 02/20/2018 - Deck Replacement Update

Exterior Preservation Project

2015 to 2016

The Capitol's finely crafted windows retain significant elements of their original wood and plate glass. In 2015, the Preservation Board began to repair and stabilize more than 700 frames and windows. The entire exterior masonry surface will be gently cleaned and thoroughly inspected. Stone will be repaired, and mortar joints repointed as necessary. This undertaking requires an elaborate scaffold and multiplatform design to address each of these irreplaceable pieces.

Mortar Repair

During a inspection of the Capitol's exterior, staff discovered erosion of a mortar joint in the pediment due to water damage. Workers re-pointed the joint using a compatible mix of Portland cement for stability and lime to accommodate movement of stone. Inspections of this and other similar areas of the building take place on a scheduled basis to ensure the stability of the building.

Senate Chamber Carpet

2014

In 2014, a reproduction of the Senate Chamber’s c. 1902 historical wool carpet was loomed and installed to replace the previously well-worn reproduction. Installation including hand sewing together 27 inch strips of carpet. The project did not use tax dollars. Funds generated from parking revenue, gift shop sales, concessions from the Capitol Grill and lease payments paid for the repairs.

Dome Repair and Re-painting

2010

In 2010, scaffolding covered the entire dome and cupolas. Workers painted the dome to match the color of the Texas Sunset Red granite and undertook substantial water-proofing, asbestos removal and metal refurbishing. The project did not use tax dollars. Funds generated from parking revenue, gift shop sales, concessions from the Capitol Grill and lease payments paid for the repairs.