Illinois State Capitol, North Wing

Constructed between 1868 and 1888, the Illinois State Capitol is the sixth building to serve as the seat of Illinois government. Designed by the Chicago firm Cochrane and Garnsey under architect Alfred Piquenard, the Capitol reflects French Revival and Italianate influences and remains one of the state’s most significant civic landmarks.

Over the decades, the building has undergone numerous renovations and alterations, including the insertion of additional floors to create mezzanine office spaces between 1915 and 1977. In 1985, the Capitol was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in recognition of its architectural significance, its association with Piquenard, and its enduring role in Illinois government.

Restoration of the Capitol’s interior public spaces began in the 1990s, with EverGreene becoming a principal contributor to the ongoing preservation program in 2000. Since then, EverGreene has played a central role in documenting, conserving, and reinstating the building’s historic decorative finishes.

In 2022, EverGreene began restoration of the historic decorative finish schemes throughout the over 100 rooms and public corridors of the Capitol’s north wing. The work builds on an in-depth historic finishes investigation, extensive pre-construction planning and design, and more than two decades of EverGreene’s experience at the Capitol.

EverGreene’s scope includes the reinstatement of hand-painted decoration, faux marbling, stenciling, gilding, and glazing, helping return these important public interiors to their historic character while preserving the craftsmanship and artistic intent of the original design.