Steps at state Capitol building getting overhaul

Renovations began last month and should be finished by Sept. 1. Crews are replacing the limestone steps and will install a heating loop underneath the steps and nearby sidewalks to melt ice during the winter.

The steps are a popular spot for photos among tourists, wedding parties and others. Matt White, assistant director of Capitol facility operations, said the heating system will eliminate the need for chemical de-icers that can damage the limestone.

"They were cracked and broken up," White said. "We were going to replace them anyway, so we got the idea to put the heat circle in to preserve it."

The steps will last longer without the use of chemical de-icers, officials said. Overall, the project is expected to cost $90,000. Steve Benkovsky, Capitol facilities director, said the money is part of $3.1 million the Legislature allocated to the building this fiscal year.

With this year's funding, crews also have renovated the building's air conditioning system and its heating and cooling controls. They also plan to make some roof repairs, Benkovsky said.

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Steps at state Capitol building getting overhaul