Nebraska State Capitol
Lincoln, NE
BVH Architects, in association with Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc., provided historic preservation design services for an extensive multi-phase restoration project for the entire exterior envelope of the Nebraska State Capitol, a National Historic Landmark.
The 15 year project included an extensive condition survey and development of a restoration master plan document for the Capitol to restore the Indiana limestone masonry exterior, tower facade, bronze window systems, gold tile dome, tile murals, copper roofs, and roof plazas. As part of the master plan, extensive computer mapping of the deteriorated surface, mortar/stone analysis, and window air infiltration testing was performed. A condition survey report and preservation plan was prepared which included the historical background of the construction, repairs and maintenance of the Capitol, assessment of the existing conditions, including drawings and photographs, and prioritized treatment recommendations for the maintenance and repair of the State Capitol exterior, including a cyclical maintenance plan.
Immediately following the restoration master plan the project was funded by the state. BVH and WJE continued to provide historic preservation design services through the preparation of full restoration contract documents and construction administration services. Construction bids for the first phases of work were received in August 1998. Subsequent phases of work were carefully planned to match project funding resources obtained from the Nebraska Legislature on a biennium schedule.
Multiple phases of the restoration work have been completed including the repair of the tower stress relieving joints, the disassembly and reconstruction of the north entry stairs/buffalo wing walls, the repairs to the south entrance and retaining walls. The gold tile clad dome and thunderbird tile murals at the tower drum were repaired and cleaned. The iconic bronze Sower atop the dome was cleaned and a new patina applied. The Indiana Limestone masonry exterior has been completely tuck-pointed using appropriate mortar, stones repaired and/or replaced and the entire tower facade cleaned using sensitive micro-abrasive techniques.
In December 2010, the final phase of the restoration work reached Substantial Completion. These final phases of work included repairs and cleaning of the lower façades of the Capitol including tuck-pointing and epoxy stone repairs, the restoration of the east and west entrances, and the replacement of the three acre copper roof. Punch list items and construction yard restoration are to be completed in early 2011.
A monograph detailing the restoration process in words and pictures is currently in development and will be available by the end of 2011 for distribution.
Gateway Arch
The Whitcomb Conservatory
Fremont Power Plant Apartments
Smithsonian Institution IDIQ
The Joseph Building
Nebraska State Capitol
Sawmill Building
BVH Architects, in association with Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc., provided historic preservation design services for an extensive multi-phase restoration project for the entire exterior envelope of the Nebraska State Capitol, a National Historic Landmark.
The 15 year project included an extensive condition survey and development of a restoration master plan document for the Capitol to restore the Indiana limestone masonry exterior, tower facade, bronze window systems, gold tile dome, tile murals, copper roofs, and roof plazas. As part of the master plan, extensive computer mapping of the deteriorated surface, mortar/stone analysis, and window air infiltration testing was performed. A condition survey report and preservation plan was prepared which included the historical background of the construction, repairs and maintenance of the Capitol, assessment of the existing conditions, including drawings and photographs, and prioritized treatment recommendations for the maintenance and repair of the State Capitol exterior, including a cyclical maintenance plan.
Immediately following the restoration master plan the project was funded by the state. BVH and WJE continued to provide historic preservation design services through the preparation of full restoration contract documents and construction administration services. Construction bids for the first phases of work were received in August 1998. Subsequent phases of work were carefully planned to match project funding resources obtained from the Nebraska Legislature on a biennium schedule.
Multiple phases of the restoration work have been completed including the repair of the tower stress relieving joints, the disassembly and reconstruction of the north entry stairs/buffalo wing walls, the repairs to the south entrance and retaining walls. The gold tile clad dome and thunderbird tile murals at the tower drum were repaired and cleaned. The iconic bronze Sower atop the dome was cleaned and a new patina applied. The Indiana Limestone masonry exterior has been completely tuck-pointed using appropriate mortar, stones repaired and/or replaced and the entire tower facade cleaned using sensitive micro-abrasive techniques.
In December 2010, the final phase of the restoration work reached Substantial Completion. These final phases of work included repairs and cleaning of the lower façades of the Capitol including tuck-pointing and epoxy stone repairs, the restoration of the east and west entrances, and the replacement of the three acre copper roof. Punch list items and construction yard restoration are to be completed in early 2011.
A monograph detailing the restoration process in words and pictures is currently in development and will be available by the end of 2011 for distribution.
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Gateway Arch |
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The Whitcomb Conservatory |
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|
Fremont Power Plant Apartments |
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Smithsonian Institution IDIQ |
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The Joseph Building |
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Nebraska State Capitol |
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Sawmill Building |