Crumbling Minn. Capitol reaches 'tipping point'

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The foot-tall chunk of marble sitting in a state administrative office once was part of the Minnesota Capitol's ornamental scrollwork, one small detail on architect Cass Gilbert's century-old jewel. Now, it's mainly a reminder of this aging building's many deferred needs.

Time has eroded the marble's fine detail to the point that it's barely visible. It was plucked off the building by hand during a recent inspection of the Capitol exterior, and conservators say it's just a small example of $241 million in urgently needed restoration work that will only grow more expensive with time.

"They're big projects, they're scary projects, they're inconvenient projects," said David Hart, a Utah-based consultant to the Minnesota State Capitol Preservation Commission. "But they're projects that have to happen. It's time."

The spending would address a lack of fresh air circulation, outdated plumbing and tangled electrical wiring so systematic that only a major overhaul will do, the commission says. The building's sprinkler system and emergency stair exits need updating. And the commission wants to improve public access to legislative offices and create more flexible meeting spaces.

The money won't come easily. Gov. Mark Dayton didn't include any funds in his proposed bonding bill. Minnesota's budget situation is precarious, and other construction projects with more vocal supporters are vying for attention — like the Minnesota Vikings' bid for a new stadium.

Senate Majority Leader David Senjem, R-Rochester, said the Capitol's exterior needs repairing. Some of the other items don't appear as necessary, he said.

"It would be nice to have a larger meeting room, but at what price?" Senjem said.

Rep. Dean Urdahl, a Grove City Republican who sits on the commission, is aware of the tough road ahead. He wants to spread the renovation over two or three bonding bills, and is hoping for bipartisan support.

"We're going to put significant money into this project, this year," Urdahl said. Later, he added: "It's a question of if we don't do something, will we ever be able to catch up?"

Many states addressed expensive Capitol restorations during the 1980s and 1990s, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Minnesota is one of a handful that has relied on piecemeal fixes.