Preparing the space around the Old Capitol for its grand reopening was no easy task, especially given the early Spring completion date.

The project started with the landscape design for the Old Capitol site, which was a collaborative effort between Shive Hattery and RDG Planning & Design. Work was based on respecting previous renovation and construction projects in addition to complying with the Pentacrest Master Plan. The design of the plantings around the Old Capitol is reflective of a very simple, and some may say plain, style of landscape design that was prevalent at the time the Old Capitol was constructed. Some large trees and shrubs that previously blocked the view of the Old Capitol from the east were removed to provide a more appropriate visual presence for the Old Capitol on the Pentacrest.

While Tricon Construction, Inc. performed the complete replacement of the West Terrace, including restoration of the limestone walls and railings and new plantings around the Old Capitol, nearly 20 Facilities Management crew members also were involved in the site restoration work and preparations for the reopening of the Old Capitol. Facilities Maintenance Landscape Services replaced the concrete walk on the east side of the building, and graded and sodded the turf areas east of the Old Capitol. The area had been used as contractor parking and lay down during the building restoration work.

The largest challenge for this project was the completion date.  Bob Brooks, Associate Director, Landscape Services said, "We had to have the project completed in time for the rededication of the Old Capitol on May 6, 2006.  This required the contractor to use special winter construction methods such as tenting and heating areas to pour concrete or to do stone repair work on the limestone walls and railings."  

Brooks continued, "We also had to contend with the need to close some critical pedestrian routes through the Pentacrest in order to give the contractor enough room to work and to schedule their work so they could meet the completion deadlines. Students, staff and faculty have been very considerate of this need and I think understand the importance of this restoration work around the icon of our campus."