before

A S tunning R estoration
of the C olorado S tate C apitol
H ouse and S enate C hambers
by Anderson Hallas Architects
and Spectrum General Contractors

In 2013 a need to repair radiators throughout

the Capitol building, and improve lighting and
acoustics in the House and Senate Chambers
led to the discovery of beautiful, hand-stenciled
original plaster walls and ornate tin skylights in
both chambers. These decorative art treasures
had been covered with acoustic tiles in 1954.

All photographs of the completed restoration by Caleb Tkach

| page 2
This project is the recipient of an American Institute of Architects Colorado 2016 Design Award.
RESTORING BEAUTY; IMPROVING FUNCTION
The mid-century effort to improve acoustics had also covered character-
defining skylights, dating to the Capitols construction in 1894. The clients
decision to restore the original historic character of both chambers with a full
rehabilitation evolved as discoveries were made during initial investigations.
With an approved project scope and cost estimate, the design/build team of
Anderson Hallas Architects and Spectrum General Contractors coordinated
the work of nationally-recognized paint conservators and paint analysts,
acousticians, mechanical, electrical and structural engineers. Rehabilitation
design alternatives were informed by the teams survey of the spaces.
Solutions struck a delicate balance between restoration aspirations and
modern acoustical, lighting and performance expectations.
Documentation
Managed on the client side by Lance Shepherd, Manager, Design and
Construction Programs at the Colorado Office of the State Architect, the
project also required approvals from History Colorado. To obtain these
approvals, the design team developed numerous findings reports and
treatment recommendations. Site walks were scheduled so in-situ mock-ups
could be approved prior to full execution.
Phasing
The design/build team completed construction in three phases, each between
legislative sessions (Jun-Dec). It was critical to keep within this window. The
project team completed each phase on time.
Craft
Exceptional results were achieved through collaboration among the
contractor, architect and client during the design phase and working
with subcontractors who have an excellent understanding of the craft of 2013
preservation.
Team
At least 12 Colorado design professionals, 55 craftspeople, 68 construction
workers and 3 managers were engaged to execute this meticulous
rehabilitation. | page 3
RESEARCH
Anderson Hallas Architects studied the
Colorado Board of Capitol Managers
Biennial Reports from 1884 1910
looking for information on construction
methods and historic fixtures and
finishes. Original drawings and a Colorado
Capitol Building Brochure circa, 1955-
1959 also informed the project approach.
The design team culled collections of historic photos
looking for clues on the finishes prior to the 1950s
application of the acoustic tiles. Found photos
provided information about the original appearance of
the chambers stencil detailing on the walls, original
light fixtures and furniture.
| page 4
REMOVAL OF 1950S ACOUSTICAL TILES REVEALS HISTORIC STENCILING
In both chambers, a preservation window was created for viewing
to depict the steps taken to preserve the historic stencils and replace
the acoustic tiles with modern acoustical panels.

New acoustic plaster panels are mounted on metal

hat channels that are mechanically fastened, to
minimize damage to the historic stencils
Historic stencils are preserved underneath

Glue dobs, left after the tiles are removed,

resist removal techniques

Ceiling with 1950s acoustical tiles

Craftsmen tried to remove the glue dobs left

Acoustic tile installed in the 1950s
by the 1950s acoustical tiles with a heat gun,
then ice before deciding that non-chemical
hand-rubbing was the best removal technique
to retain the original plaster.
New stencils on the StarSilent acoustic panels
replicate the stencil pattern beneath

Selective removal of some glue dobs

Installation of metal hat channels

to support StarSilent panels were
spaced between the glue dobs to
provide a flat surface.
| page 5
 INFRARED CAMERA | PAINT ANALYSIS | COLOR MOCK-UPS

During removal of the glue dobs for

the restoration of the lower level,
Spectrums superintendent noticed
faint variations in the surface of Paint analysis revealed that the first layer of paint on architectural ele-
the paint, indicating a pre-1905 ments was a single color. Research confirmed that the original paint con-
decorative treatment, possibly mock- tract went to the lowest bidder, supporting the on-site finding. The second,
ups exploring mural options before more complex painting effort, included metallic accent paint and multiple
state officials settled on the stencils colors. The earliest photograph available depicts the stenciled walls and
depicted in historic photographs. The presumably, the second paint campaign.
paintings under the historic paint were
documented through the use of an
infrared camera with the help of the
Denver Art Museum.

Mock-ups next to actual stenciling Craftsmen placing stencil mask (l)

and installing plaster ornaments (r) | page 6
 RESTORATION OF SENATE
AND HOUSE SKYLIGHT VAULTS

Skylight lighting mock-up

Sections of the original pressed metal trim and
ornamentation were removed and sent to a Using a combination of old and new metal repair
metal fabrication specialist for replication of techniques, metal craftsmen, carefully repaired the
damaged trim. vaults that were damaged from the installation of the
suspended ceiling and sprinklers.
Existing conditions skylight vault damaged
by metal strapping supports for the 1950s
acoustical tile ceiling.

| page 7
CHANDELIERS

2013
St. Louis Antique Lighting expertly removed, restored and
reinstalled each of the chambers immense chandeliers.
A few of the original chandelier globes, beautifully etched
with the state seal had been rescued from a second-hand
shop by a state employee. Due to the cost and caustic
process of recreating the globes, replacement was limited to
restoring the shape and translucence, but not the etching.

| page 8
 1918

SENATE CHAMBERS
This Capitol is your Capitol, so
please come visit and explore the
wonderful restoration work that has
been done in both the House and
Senate Chambers.
Senator Bill Cadman
2016 President of the
Colorado Senate
| page 9
 2013

HOUSE CHAMBERS
There are 12 different custom-mixed
paint colors in the House Chambers
and 10 in the Senate Chambers. All
colors were sourced from paint anal-
ysis and historical colors research.

| page 10
 2013

SENATE CHAMBERS
Replica Edison bulbs were installed
at the perimeter and ceiling of both
chambers. Replacing the original
cloth-wrapped with new wiring, to
energize the bulbs, was simply one
project too many.

| page 11
| page 12
 2013

SENATE CHAMBERS
A total of 17, 4.5 x 7.5 decorative
stained glass panels in the Senate and
House Chambers were cleaned
and repaired.

| page 13
 1918

HOUSE CHAMBERS
What started out as a radiator repair set
off the House and Senate Chamber res-
torations. The restoration has exposed
incredible stencils, opened up the skylights
and returned the stateliness to the cham-
bers. The Design/Build team has done a
tremendous job.
Lance Shepherd, Manager, Design
and Construction Programs at the
Colorado Office of the State Architect

| page 14
SENATE HOUSE 2015

2013 2013

Timelapse videos of the

House and Senate Chambers
rehabilitation can be seen here:
Senate Timelapse:
https://vimeo.com/151087674
House Timelapse:
https://vimeo.com/151912329

| page 15
 PROJECT DESIGN TEAM

CLIENT ACOUSTICS PAINT ANALYSIS

State of Colorado Department K2 Audio Built Environment Evolution
of Personnel and Administration www.audio.com www.builtenvironmentevolution.com
Lance Shepherd, Manager, Design
and Construction Programs MECHANICAL ENGINEERING STENCIL, METAL, & OTHER FINISH RESTORATION
Three Sixty Engineering Historic Surfaces, LLC
GENERAL CONTRACTOR www.360eng.com historicsurfaces.com
Spectrum General Contractors, Inc.
www.spectrumgc.com ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING ART CONSERVATION
AE Design Group WCCFA, Inc. (Western Center for the Conservation
ARCHITECT www.aedesign-inc.com of Fine Arts)
Anderson Hallas Architects, PC www.wccfa.com
www.andarch.com STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
Martin/Martin, Inc.
www.martinmartin.com

A n de r s on H a l l as A r c h i t ec t s , pc
c r e at i n g s p a c e s a n d p l a c e s t h at d e l i g h t

303.278.4378 www.andarch.com
| page 16