Preserving an Icon: Louisiana State Capitol Exterior Rehabilitation

By R. Todd Mann, AIA, PMP, Senior Program Manager 

The Louisiana State Capitol has stood at the center of Louisiana government for nearly a century. Today, comprehensive exterior rehabilitation is underway to preserve the historic building and support its continued use for generations to come. 

Our team is currently managing the rehabilitation on behalf of the State of Louisiana, Division of Administration, Facility Planning and Control, serving as Project Manager and Owner-Representative from pre-construction through construction and the future warranty phase.  

Preserving a Historic Landmark 

Completed in the early 1930s, the Louisiana State Capitol is a nationally significant Art Deco landmark. The National Park Service identifies the Capitol as a 34-story building designed by Weiss, Dreyfous & Seiferth and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1982.  

Preserving a building of this age and significance requires balancing historic character with the practical needs of an active government facility. The current rehabilitation builds on a pilot project and earlier phases that addressed selected lower portions of the building. Phases 3 and 4 extend that work to the remaining tower and lower roofs.  

The work includes rehabilitating and waterproofing the exterior, addressing structural steel deficiencies, replacing roof surfaces, and removing, reinstalling, and honing existing limestone cladding. Bronze windows are also being reglazed and refinished, while doors beneath the porte cochere will be refinished and upgraded.  

State project documents provide additional detail on the preservation effort, including rehabilitation of the limestone exterior and underlying steel frame and brick substrate, conservation of hundreds of bronze windows, and restoration work on the upper portion of the tower.  

Managing Complexity Through Collaboration 

The technical requirements are only one part of the challenge. Throughout construction, the historic Capitol remains fully operational. That means rehabilitation work must progress alongside the day-to-day activities of the many organizations that occupy, operate, secure, and preserve the building.  

Our role brings those moving pieces together. We coordinate among Facility Planning and Control, the Office of State Buildings, Capitol staff, user agencies, the contractor, and other stakeholders while monitoring contractual compliance, schedules, cost estimates, construction activities, and issues requiring resolution.  

That coordination began well before construction. During an 11-month pre-construction phase, our professionals helped coordinate design completion as well as eight Advanced Construction Starts, and reviewed project documents, schedules, cost estimates, and the Guaranteed Maximum Price proposal. The process resulted in a GMP proposal within the Owner’s budget and positioned the project to advance into construction in October 2025.  

Supporting the Capitol Through Every Phase 

With construction underway, our team continues to serve as an extension of the Owner, helping align the many parties involved in a complex rehabilitation within an active historic landmark. 

The work reflects what effective project management requires on projects of this scale: technical understanding, consistent communication, and coordination across the full project lifecycle. As rehabilitation progresses, our focus remains on helping the State navigate challenges, protect the Capitol’s historic character, and move this important project forward. 

Services Provided 

Our team has provided, and continues to provide, the following services: 

• Project Management 
• Owner Representation 
• Pre-Construction Coordination 
• Design, Schedule, Cost Estimate, & GMP Proposal Review 
• Contractual Compliance Monitoring 
• Stakeholder Coordination 
• Construction-Phase Monitoring 

Looking Ahead 

The Louisiana State Capitol has served as a defining part of Baton Rouge and the state for generations. Its rehabilitation is an investment in preserving that legacy while supporting the building’s continued role at the center of Louisiana government. As work continues, we are proud to contribute our expertise to an effort that will help preserve this historic landmark and carry its legacy into its next chapter.