Texas Capitol

1885
Austin, Texas
National Historic Landmark, Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, State Archeological Landmark
____________________________________________________

Key Issues

• Assess exterior granite; specify cleaning and restoration procedures
• Assess condition of 924 windows; specify restoration process
• Assess dome condition; specify restoration procedures
• Assess 404 doors and trim; specify restoration process
• Assess all interior architectural woodwork; specify restoration procedures
• Research and prepare reports on the original lighting and carpeting installed in the Capitol; develop designs for the reproduction of original carpets in the Senate, House, Court of Criminal Appeals, and Court of Civil Appeals

TxCapitol1

The Texas Capitol was designed in the Renaissance Revival style by Elija E. Myers of Detroit. It was constructed between 1882 and 1888 by a Chicago contractor, who was paid with three million acres of Texas public land. Overcrowding, building code violations, and a disastrous 1983 fire in the west wing precipitated development of a Master Plan for the restoration of the building in 1988.

As preservation consultant, Volz & Associates provided analytical services for the Plan that was approved by the legislature in 1989. We continued to provide research, assessment and design services throughout construction. The restored and expanded Capitol was re-dedicated on April 21, 1995.