The result was a lovely structure, not unlike the capitols of other states, of neo-classical design with a dome and columns and wide marble halls. It was a perfect space. The Supreme Court chambers were located a stately distance from the governor's office, which was set off from the legislative chambers — thus was reinforced the concept of the separation of powers.

Unfortunately, government tends to grow as the population grows. Over the years, offices have been added to that original perfect space, and walls have been erected, haphazardly. When planning the restoration, one of the most important tasks was to figure out how much space was actually needed, now and in the future.

Hart says when the consultants took into account all the space to be lost from the Capitol basement (which was being used for offices but now will house the base isolators) and added that to the growth projected for the next 25 years, they figured the renovated Capitol would be about 160,000 square feet short of what was needed.

What to do? Planners explored the cost of renting space, during the remodeling and beyond. Then they looked again at Olmsted's plans, which showed three buildings to the north of the Capitol. One was in the approximate position of the current State Office Building.

The planners recommended tearing down the old Roundhouse cafeteria and constructing two additional buildings, and the Legislature agreed. The Senate office and House office buildings sit at right angles to the Capitol, pretty much where Olmsted had drawn them on his plans nearly 100 years ago.

The governor and the lieutenant governor and the justices and the legislators and all those who worked in the Capitol have already moved — some of them for four years and some of them for good — into the new buildings. Those two office buildings will be dedicated on Saturday, on the same day that the Capitol closes for remodeling.

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If you go

What: Capitol Discovery Day, tours given by architects and historians on the last chance to be inside the Capitol for four years. There will also be hands-on fun for kids and adults.

Where: 300 N. State

When: Saturday, Aug. 7, noon to 4 p.m.

Cost: Free

Contact: Phone, 533-0858; Web, www.utahheritagefoundation.org or www.utahstatecapitol.utah.gov

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E-mail: susan@desnews.com