Idaho’s 100-year-old Capitol Building is about to undergo a major restoration and expansion.

The Idaho Legislature approved House Concurrent Resolution 47 during the 2006 Legislative Session that authorizes remodeling of the current building and construction of two-story, underground additions to the east and west sides of the Statehouse.

The Idaho Capitol Commission and the Department of Administration are developing a design and construction schedule for restoration to begin after the 2007 Legislative Session. Completion is anticipated prior to the 2010 session. The 2008 and 2009 sessions will be held in the former Ada County Courthouse acquired by the State and adjacent to the Capitol. The Idaho State Building Authority voted to issue bonds for both projects in the amount of $130 million, which will be paid for by extra cigarette taxes the Idaho Legislature made permanent in the 2005 session.

Statehouse History and Progress

The central portion of the Idaho Capitol was first constructed beginning in 1905 and was completed seven years later in 1912. Wing additions were constructed beginning in 1919 and completed a year later in 1920.

In 1999, the Idaho Legislature appropriated $120,000 for completion of a Master Plan for the Capitol restoration. At that time, the cost was estimated at $64 million. After the design work was completed, the project was placed on hold in early 2002 due to an economic downturn and budget shortfalls.

Some work was done to preserve the exterior of the structure. In 2000, $1.5 million was appropriated from the Permanent Building Fund (PBF) to repair exterior masonry and to replace the east and west stairs (Phase 1). In 2004, the Legislature authorized nearly

$3 million from the PBF to continue (Phase II) of the exterior work, which included repairs at the dome level and drainage areas, eagle restoration and skylight replacements.

For more information or to see photos of the restoration, go to http://www.capitolcommission.idaho.gov

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