Just about every door in the building will be made of metal hand-painted to look like mahogany wood. Although many pioneer-era projects had finishes intended to simulate more expensive materials, the original doors were painted metal to improve fire-proofing.

Within the next month, Hart said all of the office walls throughout the building should be up and ready for doors. Until the doors — with locks — are in place, no carpets, light fixtures or furniture can be brought in.

Hart's goal is to duplicate the work of the building's original architect, Utahn Richard Kletting, and site designer, John Olmsted, son of the famed landscape architect behind Central Park in New York City, Frederick Law Olmsted.

About the only question Hart is unable to answer during a recent tour is what won't be replicated. Even new balconies complete with granite balusters along the east and west sides of the Capitol were part of the early plans.

That kind of attention to detail could slow the project, but Hart said it'll be done on time.

The only potential problem at this point is the pair of lion statues that flanked side entrances. The original concrete statues were in such disrepair that an out-of-state artist was hired to re-create them in marble.

But because the massive blocks of stone that had to be delivered from Italy were unexpectedly delayed, Hart said that as of last week, the sculptor had barely had time to begin chipping away.

An open house is scheduled from Nov. 19 through Dec. 1 to give the public a chance to peek at private office space before state officials move in from their temporary quarters in adjacent office buildings on the Capitol Complex.

The rededication of the building is set for Jan. 4, 2008, Utah's statehood day. The 2008 Legislature, which begins in mid-January, plans to meet in the Capitol for the first time since 2004.

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Capitol restoration

Open house

Nov. 19 to Dec. 1, 2007

Rededication

Jan. 4, 2008

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E-mail: lisa@desnews.com