Messer Construction to Oversee Kentucky State Capitol Renovation

Frankfort, August 12, 2025

News Summary

Messer Construction has been appointed the construction manager for a significant $291.5 million renovation of the historic Kentucky State Capitol in Frankfort. This project marks the first major overhaul in over 70 years, aiming to address safety concerns and modernize infrastructure while preserving the building’s historical character. Essential upgrades will include new fire safety features, improved accessibility, and a temporary structure for legislative functions during the renovation period, with completion anticipated by 2029.

Messer Construction to Lead $291.5 Million Renovation of Kentucky State Capitol

Quick facts

The Kentucky State Capitol in Frankfort will undergo its first major renovation in 70 years after the state legislature approved a $291.5 million renovation budget. Messer Construction has been named construction manager for the project, which aims to upgrade core building systems, improve safety, and increase accessibility without changing the Capitol’s historic look. Work is scheduled for completion in 2029.

What’s happening and why it matters

The 115-year-old Capitol, originally built in 1904, faces aged infrastructure and safety gaps that officials describe as urgent. The renovation targets critical systems such as heating and cooling, water piping, and electrical wiring; it will also add modern safety measures like automatic sprinklers and fire-rated egress stairs. Accessibility will be improved by enlarging elevators and upgrading restrooms, including adding family restrooms and expanding women’s restroom stalls from 18 to 28.

Scope, teams and timeline

Architecture and engineering teams include Champlin/EOP Architects as the project architect and Brown + Kubican of Louisville as structural engineers. The renovation will repair deferred maintenance issues such as porous and corroded water pipes and excessive electrical wiring in ceilings. The plan calls for a new roof, replacement of 200 windows, expanded elevators, restroom upgrades, and improved security systems. The main renovation is not intended to alter the Capitol’s historic features but to modernize its facilities and energy performance.

Concurrent dome work and discoveries

Separately, the Capitol dome is undergoing a $26 million restoration that includes replacing 80-year-old terra cotta tiles, waterproofing, and structural repairs. Work on the dome has exposed unexpected organic growth, including what is being described as a small tree, revealing long-overdue needs for repairs and cleanup in that area of the building.

Temporary arrangements during construction

To keep legislative business moving, a temporary 26,000-square-foot structure has been built to house the General Assembly while the Capitol is worked on. The temporary building, which cost about $14 million, contains spaces for House and Senate chambers, leadership offices, and media areas. Public access to that temporary facility will be limited because it lacks the traditional public galleries, though public-facing services and technology for live streaming legislative sessions will be used to maintain transparency.

Safety, accessibility and public access

The work emphasizes safety and energy efficiency: fire suppression, better egress, upgraded electrical systems, and modern HVAC. Accessibility upgrades include larger elevators and restroom improvements, while family restrooms will be added. Expect essential public attractions on the Capitol campus, such as the Floral Clock and several monuments, to remain open during construction.

Cost and public use considerations

The $291.5 million renovation budget covers the extensive interior systems work and facility upgrades. The dome’s separate $26 million restoration and the temporary facility’s roughly $14 million cost are being managed alongside the main project. Officials stress that the visual and historic character of the Capitol will be preserved, even as the building receives modern systems and safety upgrades.

Background and context

The Capitol’s construction in 1904 cost approximately $1.82 million at the time. This current effort is the most significant renovation since mid-20th-century work, making it the most comprehensive modernization in seven decades. The timetable to finish by 2029 allows phased work that should minimize interruption to essential public business while preserving key historic elements.

What to expect next

Renovation planning and early work will proceed under Messer Construction’s management, with architectural and structural teams guiding preservation-sensitive updates. Legislative operations will continue in the temporary building until the Capitol reopens. Public updates and live-streamed sessions are expected to keep citizens informed while physical access to the temporary facility may be limited.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Quick visual chart: Budget and key counts

Key counts and features

Feature	Value
Building age	115 years (built 1904)
Scheduled completion	2029
Windows to be replaced	200
Women’s restroom stalls (before → after)	18 → 28 stalls
Temporary structure size	26,000 sq ft

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

Additional Resources

• ENR: Kentucky Capitol Building Gets $300M Multi-Year Makeover
• Kentucky Lantern: Kentucky Capitol Getting $300 Million Makeover
• LEX18: Lawmakers Move to Temporary Building During Capitol Renovation
• Google Search: Kentucky State Capitol renovation
• Wikipedia: Kentucky State Capitol