Oregon State Capitol to Receive Much Needed Upgrades

Oregon State Capitol bulding Photo by: Kevin Hays

(SALEM) - The Golden Pioneer atop the Oregon State Capitol is smiling today. A public panel has voted to support seismic upgrades and other much needed fixes on the Capitol building, which could cost more than 100 million dollars.

Oregon's third Capitol opened in 1938 as a replacement for the building that burned in 1935.

A four-story structure of Modern Greek architecture, it was completed at a cost of $2.5 million and is the fourth newest Capitol in the United States.

A Capitol "Wings" project, completed in 1977, at a cost of $12.5 million, added further space for legislative offices, hearing rooms, support services, a first floor galleria, and underground parking.

The Rotunda was damaged in a 1993 earthquake and reopened two years and four million dollars later.

Panel members said the building was not designed for a modern office and that wiring and plumbing are out of date.

The 2007 Legislature would have to approve planning money, and if plans are completed, the 2009 Legislature would consider paying for the actual repairs.