$2.8 Million Project to Clean & Restore the Staircase Will Preserve Historic Carvings
Part of $41 Million Capitol Restoration Project to Preserve the Historic Building

Governor George E. Pataki today announced the completion of the cleaning and restoration of the Great Western Staircase in the State Capitol building. The $2.8 million project, which took 15 months, is part of a comprehensive $41 million Capitol Restoration Project. “The New York State Capitol is a great symbol of our political and cultural history, and I am pleased that we have been able to preserve its character and provide opportunities for visitors to see the grand designs that are such an important part of this historic building,” Governor Pataki said. “The restoration of the Great Western Staircase ensures that the history and aura of this great building will be illuminated for all to see, including the thousands of people who tour the Capitol each year. This Capitol has been a major attraction for more than one hundred years, and through this project and many others we have undertaken in the past 10 years, this landmark is being historically revitalized.”

Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno said, “The revitalization of the famed ‘million dollar staircase’ will help preserve this building’s rich history and magnificent architecture for years to come. This building belongs to the people of the state of New York and I am pleased that these restorations will allow our future generations to visit and fully appreciate the building that houses our state government and more than a century’s worth of New York State history and tradition.”

Assemblyman Jack McEneny said, “More than 500 stone carvers worked to make the Great Western Staircase the unique treasure it is. They carved everybody from Civil War heroes to their wives, girlfriends and children. Now that a team of highly skilled professional cleaners has completed the work, the beauty of this remarkable staircase is apparent to all and will remain so for generations to come. It is truly a gift from one generation to the next and to the future.”

Albany County Executive Mike Breslin said, “The restoration of the ‘million dollar staircase’ is one of the many significant improvements that will bring the Capitol building back to its original grandeur. I commend the State for its commitment to this restoration project, which will allow residents and visitors to better appreciate our State’s great history.”

In 1996, Governor Pataki directed the State Office of General Services (OGS) to restore the Capitol Building, which is a National Historic Landmark. This Capitol Restoration Program is addressing significant structural issues such as the leaky roof and faulty wiring, and also improving the visual and historical aspects of the building. To date, $41 million has been appropriated to this project.

The restoration of the Great Western Staircase was undertaken by OGS and Monaco Construction of Sturbridge, Massachusetts, which was awarded the contract for the project following a public bidding process. The restoration also drew upon the expertise and advice of the Commission on the Restoration of the Capitol.

The extensive project consisted of three phases:

• The cleaning of masonry using applied latex film, chemical cleaners, and mild soap and detergents;

• The renovation of the first floor corridor under the stairs, including the removal of non-original infill construction under the staircase and restoration of the corridor to its original design; and

• Electrical work, which involved the removal of existing fixtures so they could be cleaned and repaired, replacement of all wiring, and addition of lighting to the first floor corridor under the stairwell.

The Great Western Staircase was constructed over 16 years, from 1883 to 1899. Designed by H.H. Richardson and executed by Isaac Perry, in close collaboration with stone Louis Hinton, foreman of the stone carvers, it is the largest staircase in the Capitol at 119 feet. More than 500 stone carvers were employed at various times during the construction. The stones consist of Red Corsehill Sandstone from Scotland, brown Medina Sandstone from Ohio, Indiana Limestone, and Fox Island Granite. The staircase is often referred to as the “million dollar staircase” due to the high cost of its original construction.

The design features carvings of hundreds of faces, including 77 famous faces that are carvings of named portraits (John Jay appears twice). The staircase was always illuminated by electricity and is one of the first, large-scale public installations of electric lights. The cast bronze light fixtures were designed by Louis Hinton.

OGS Commissioner John J. Spano said, “With more than 100 years of use, a considerable fire in 1911, and years of neglect contributed to a lackluster appearance and deteriorating conditions at our State Capitol. Through Governor Pataki’s leadership and dedication, OGS has been able to manage multiple projects to restore the historic building, bringing back its grandeur so that New Yorkers will be able to enjoy and appreciate the Capitol and the history it houses for another 100 years.”

Significant accomplishments of the past 10 years include:

• The ongoing restoration of the Capitol roof, including installing new flashing and waterproofing underlayment, replicating all decorative terra cotta tile, repointing all masonry, and rehabilitating all roof drainage and gutter systems. The overall project is a four-phase, 10-year project that started in 2000. Phase three of the project is under construction and phase four is in the design phase.

• An award-winning restoration of the monumental skylight and laylight over the Great Western Staircase. This project was completed in 2004. Phase four of the roof restoration also will open the two other skylights on the east side of the building.

• Redecorating and repainting the Capitol to restore its original appearance, including reclaiming and restoring the Governor’s Reception Room (War Room) and its historic mural on the second floor. This project was completed in 1997.

• The installation of energy-saving exterior façade lighting and historic street lights to illuminate the Capitol and comprehensive lighting upgrades in nearly all interior areas. The project, which included assistance from the New York Power Authority, was completed in 1998.

• Elevator restorations to increase efficiency and safety while maintaining their historic character. This is a two-phase project for eight elevators, with phase one (four elevators) already completed and phase two (four elevators) 50 percent competed.

• The establishment of security checkpoints at all entrances of the building. This was completed in 2003.

Last month, Governor Pataki announced the rededication of the Alfred E. Smith State Office Building in Albany, following the restoration and modernization of this historic structure, which was the city’s first skyscraper when it opened in 1930. The 34-story building, which also is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites, now houses approximately 1,500 employees from various State agencies.

60 Mill Street Southbridge, Massachusetts 01550