West Virginia Capitol
The West Virginia State Capitol was designed by Cass Gilbert in Italian Renaissance and Colonial Revival styles. After eight years of construction, the building was completed in 1932. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
EverGreene was initially commissioned to investigate, test, and assess conditions of the interior and exterior dome, which we were brought back to restore. Our conservators studied the gilded, lead-coated copper Capitol dome to document its original finishes and construction methods, assess the most recent gilding campaign, and evaluate the condition of the copper substrate and decorative elements. The work also included reviewing environmental impacts, assessing site logistics, recommending short-term aesthetic improvements, and testing cleaning methods to inform future restoration. In addition, we prepared a testing report comparing two protective coating systems for performance and compatibility with gilding materials, including evaluation after accelerated weathering exposure.
On the interior dome, we demolished the damaged pieces the to allow for new installation, replicated the Colonnade Level Interior Oak Leaf Capitals, and reinstalled cast plaster. We repaired holes of the plaster inner dome by filling the voids with wads of coconut fibers and plaster and then skimming the voids to bring the plaster flush with the adjacent surfaces. Additionally, our restoration team installed plaster ornament below the windows.
