Capitol Square Project open house and celebration set for July 10

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CHEYENNE – More than 130 years after it first opened to the public with great fanfare, the Wyoming Capitol is reopening after a critical restoration with a celebration on the afternoon of July 10, Wyoming Statehood Day. Festivities will kick off with a ribbon cutting at 1:00 p.m., followed by tours of the Capitol Square Project, live music and entertainment, and fireworks to mark the end of this important project for the people of Wyoming.


The Capitol Square project was comprised of four interrelated construction projects:

  • The Capitol has undergone extensive rehabilitation to replace outdated building systems, add critical life safety infrastructure, and address public space needs, especially the need for larger meeting rooms. This invasive work created the opportunity to restore historic building features;

  • The Capitol Extension, the below-grade building that connects the Capitol to the Herschler Building has been expanded by 28,000 square feet to accommodate public space needs that could not be met in the Capitol, including large public meeting rooms, as well as space for a future auditorium, visitor’s center, and student learning center;

  • The Herschler Building has been remodeled and expanded by 56,000 square feet to house functions displaced from the Capitol. The atrium on the north side of the building has been removed to improve building efficiency and security, and to restore views to the Capitol;

  • The existing central utility plant, serving five state buildings, has been replaced, relocated, and expanded by 15,000 square feet to accommodate additional equipment.

“I am delighted to see the completion of this historic project that protects the People’s House for future generations and ushers in a new era by ensuring the public has better and safer access to the seat of their government. I hope all Wyoming residents can attend this historic event, because the building belongs to them,” said Tony Ross, Chairman of the Capitol Rehabilitation and Restoration Oversight Group.

Governor Mark Gordon stated of the historic celebration, “I am excited to welcome the public to experience firsthand the results of our Capitol Restoration Project. This project is for the people of Wyoming and is about Wyoming's future, as well as her past. This is a time to be proud of Wyoming's heritage."

A full schedule of events will soon be available online at http://www.wyomingcapitolsquare.com/.

For Immediate Release

Contact: Rachel Girt | rachel@girtcommunications.com | 307-286-1592 (Mobile)