Central Utility Plant and Infrastructure Upgrades

The project team began studying the Capitol’s infrastructure problems in early 2016 in response to a growing number of leaks and failures throughout the building and the sub-basement. The team focused on analyzing the problems, determining solutions and creating a road map for addressing potentially catastrophic failures before they occur.

While some of the equipment was carefully concealed in hidden mechanical rooms, many projects touched the Capitol’s most important and historic spaces, including the Senate and House Chambers, legislative offices, and even the dome. The project team used its historic preservation expertise, as well as extensive knowledge of the Capitol building due to years of partnering on a variety of projects, to carefully preserve the building and minimize disruptions to its daily operations.

Construction of a new Central Utility Plant (CUP) and Generator Vault creates a home for the building's new head end mechanical systems like the geothermal heater chiller, the new electrical substation, and two 600kw generators.