Water Level
|
632.95 ft
updated 3:00 PM
|
Live Webcam
Vacation Rentals
|
Restoration work aims to keep the Texas Capitol in capital shape
Posted: Thu, 19 Aug 2010 11:16 AM - 7,992 Readers
By: Erin Mulvaney
Construction workers can be seen on the Texas Capitol building's iconic dome, trying to finish restoration work before lawmakers return in January. The project – the first major work to the building since 1992 – includes repainting the dome of the Capitol and the surrounding rooftops, fixing decades of weather damage, and refinishing the ceiling in the House chamber. Scaffolding surrounds the state Capitol dome in Austin as restoration work is done with completion set for the end of this year. TIMELINEConstruction began in May, and workers plan to be finished by the end of December. The next legislative session starts Jan. 11. COSTThe project will cost $3.5 million. There are between 75 and 80 workers on the construction site at a given time. DOMEThere is a common misconception that the top of the dome is made of the same pink granite that flanks the bottom of the structure, but it is actually made of sheet metal. The workers are smoothing out dings and dents from years of wind and hail damage that can be seen on the surface, and they're repainting the outside with the same dark pink finish as before. There is some rot on the windows and there are holes in the structure to fill in. And the "goddess" statue that's been atop the dome since 1986 is also being stripped and repainted. ROOFThe mostly metal rooftops are green and curved with copper cupolas and elaborate trim that rests above the House chamber. The workers are painting the trim, sheet-rock and metal, caulking openings that may be susceptible to rain, and doing any repair on the metal lining, some of which has rotted. During the last restoration, glass coverings replaced sheet metal on parts of the roof so sunlight would shine into the House chamber. Little work will be done to that part of the roof or the trim that rests above it. HOUSE CHAMBERThe ornate ceiling of the House chamber, which has more than 200 pendants sitting between windows, is being stripped of lead-based paint, sanded and repainted in the original gold and white. The interior work is expected to be complete by mid-November. HISTORYConstruction on the Capitol began in 1882 and finished in 1888. It was Texas' fourth building for the state government. And at 999,000 square feet, it's the largest state Capitol in the country. After a fire caused extensive damage in 1983, the last major restoration was launched. It included construction of the underground Capitol extension.
[edit]
|
Lake Travis News
LCRA to reopen Lake Travis for public use Wednesday
Nov 6, 2018
|
34,735 Readers |
LCRA: Lakes could open by Nov. 2 depending on conditions
Oct 30, 2018
|
28,425 Readers |
Mansfield Dam floodgates to close starting Thursday
Oct 30, 2018
|
31,381 Readers |
LCRA will not open more gates at Mansfield Dam at this time
Oct 18, 2018
|
29,524 Readers |
Lago Vista residents prepare to evacuate due to flooding of Lake Travis
Oct 18, 2018
|
33,544 Readers |
An incredible view of an open Mansfield Dam : Youtube video
Oct 18, 2018
|
29,894 Readers |
Lake Travis expected to hit highest level since 1991 by Friday
Oct 17, 2018
|
27,664 Readers |
Hike and bike trail on Lady Bird Lake closed due to rising water
Oct 17, 2018
|
26,908 Readers |
Lake Travis expected to open 4 more floodgates. Take Precaution
Oct 17, 2018
|
30,658 Readers |
Record number of Mansfield dam floodgates could open
Oct 17, 2018
|
23,177 Readers |
Alamo’s Jaws on the Water is back to scare you while you float on Lake Travis
May 15, 2018
|
27,791 Readers |
This student’s wakeboarding graduation photoshoot is so epic she deserves another degree
May 8, 2018
|
25,794 Readers |
Here’s why you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake. Wait — you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake?
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,331 Readers |
5 Ways to Try Paddleboarding in Austin
Aug 4, 2017
|
28,229 Readers |
Why Is Hippie Hollow Clothing-Optional?
Jul 31, 2017
|
32,035 Readers |
JAWS on the Water - Friday, June 30th
Jun 27, 2017
|
27,752 Readers |
Memorial Day Weekend watercraft ban on Lake Austin
May 25, 2017
|
30,008 Readers |
Travis County officials prep for Memorial Day weekend on Lake Travis
May 23, 2017
|
27,575 Readers |
West Austin 4-H Offers Opportunities Beyond Just Raising Animals
Aug 9, 2016
|
37,808 Readers |
Large Crowds Expected at Lake Travis For Holiday Weekend
Jul 1, 2016
|
39,499 Readers |
Lake levels falling fast as Texas drought continues
Jul 27, 2022
|
15,052 Readers |
Repairing Lake Travis homes damaged by flooding
Nov 2, 2018
|
29,716 Readers |
Lake Travis now more than 120 percent full
Oct 17, 2018
|
23,011 Readers |
Graveyard Point residents brace for flooding
Oct 17, 2018
|
24,486 Readers |
Floodgate Operations Underway at Local Lakes During Flooding
Oct 16, 2018
|
24,524 Readers |
As Flood Risk Increases, Austin Will Revisit Its Floodplain Building Rules
Oct 15, 2018
|
24,783 Readers |
Up to 35 days of 100-degree heat this summer in Austin area, LCRA says
May 9, 2018
|
26,534 Readers |
Lake Buchanan rises nearly 8 inches due to rain
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,724 Readers |
One floodgate open at Starcke Dam
Aug 7, 2017
|
27,213 Readers |
Driving on RM 620, I see islands sticking out of the lake. Is the drought returning?
Jul 14, 2017
|
28,468 Readers |
Spectacular catch highlights our High School Plays of the week
Oct 16, 2018
|
22,551 Readers |
Classic Berth, Big Payday On The Line At Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest
May 15, 2018
|
27,111 Readers |
Several newcomers already set to play for Texas in 2017
Aug 7, 2017
|
28,510 Readers |
PGA to Austin: We had lots of fun, so let’s do it again in 2017
Apr 1, 2016
|
38,800 Readers |
Jordan Spieth Off To Good Start In Austin Return
Mar 24, 2016
|
38,404 Readers |
Katy vs Lake Travis game makes the list!
Jan 13, 2016
|
36,077 Readers |
Game of the week: Lake Travis (7-0) at Westlake (7-0)
Oct 19, 2015
|
38,157 Readers |
Lake Travis repeats as regional golf champions
Apr 17, 2015
|
40,529 Readers |
Lake Travis’ Bacon ties national HR record
Mar 14, 2015
|
40,904 Readers |
Westlake, Lake Travis sweep District 14-6A awards
Mar 11, 2015
|
41,807 Readers |
Shack 512 Relaxed, lakeside dining accessible by car or by boat
May 16, 2018
|
26,794 Readers |
Residents addressing wildfire risks in Lake Travis, Westlake
May 16, 2018
|
25,834 Readers |
Ex-Point Venture water employee accused of misappropriating $65K
May 16, 2018
|
26,392 Readers |
West Lake Hills’ new drainage manual created in an effort to reduce flooding
May 15, 2018
|
27,065 Readers |
Round Rock City Council approves cost share for zebra mussel control in Lake Travis
May 11, 2018
|
27,810 Readers |
Nautical Boat Clubs Launches Lake Austin Location in Westlake
May 5, 2018
|
27,533 Readers |
City looking for help to curb storm drain pollution
Aug 5, 2017
|
27,358 Readers |
Apache Shores features waterfront views, trails, park
Jul 14, 2017
|
26,625 Readers |
10-year Mansfield Dam rehabilitation project will keep Austin safe
Apr 27, 2017
|
27,937 Readers |
Overflowing Lake Travis isn't all bad news for businesses
Jun 8, 2016
|
36,537 Readers |
Appraisal protest trend continues as assessments rise
May 16, 2018
|
26,346 Readers |
Go Inside This Lake Austin Remodel
May 10, 2018
|
24,207 Readers |
Modern guesthouse tower adds space, views to lakeside cabin
Sep 28, 2017
|
29,481 Readers |
A Striking Sanctuary in Texas Inspired by a Sand Dollar
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,921 Readers |
Contemporary Architectural Masterpiece on Lake Austin
Jul 30, 2017
|
27,559 Readers |
Lake Austin mansion with a Romeo and Juliet balcony, including dramatic backstory
Jul 28, 2017
|
27,782 Readers |
Midcentury-modern home overlooks Lake Austin, Pennybacker Bridge
May 27, 2016
|
37,725 Readers |
Lake Travis Waterfront Retreat Offered by Heritage Luxury Real Estate Auctions
May 18, 2016
|
37,919 Readers |
In Lago Vista, big dreams for $68 million ranch property
May 14, 2016
|
37,832 Readers |
This Texas Barn Mansion on Lake Travis is Out of This World
May 6, 2016
|
41,639 Readers |
News Archives 2010 - Select a Month
|