Virginia State Capitol

Designed by Thomas Jefferson in collaboration with French architect Charles-Louis Clérisseau, the Virginia State Capitol is one of the most influential public buildings in American history. Inspired by the ancient Roman temple Maison Carrée in Nîmes, France, the Capitol introduced the Roman temple style to the United States, marking a dramatic departure from the Georgian architecture that had dominated the British colonies. Construction began in 1785 and continued for more than a decade. Today, as the nation’s second-oldest continuously operating state capitol and a National Historic Landmark, the building remains a powerful symbol of American democracy and classical design.

After more than two centuries of weathering and numerous repair campaigns, the Capitol’s historic exterior required comprehensive conservation. EverGreene Architectural Arts joined the restoration project in 2007 to address the deteriorated masonry and stucco façade. Previous interventions, including an impermeable epoxy coating, had trapped moisture within the building envelope, accelerating the deterioration of the original stucco, granite trim, and ornamental terra-cotta capitals.

Following extensive materials testing, mockups, and evaluation of treatment methods, EverGreene carefully removed the failing epoxy coatings from all stucco, stone, and terra-cotta surfaces. Conservators then applied a truing coat to correct irregular masonry substrates before installing a traditional lime stucco render across the building’s façades, moldings, and architectural details. The restoration concluded with the application of a breathable KEIM Granital mineral coating, providing long-term protection while allowing moisture to escape naturally.

Throughout the project, EverGreene worked closely with the construction manager, architects, and material manufacturers to evaluate existing conditions and refine treatment approaches, ensuring the restoration met both preservation standards and project requirements while safeguarding one of America’s most significant civic landmarks.