Oregon State Capitol

Location: Salem, Oregon | Client: Oregon State Legislature

Client Type:
Civic + Government

The Oregon State Capitol, constructed at the height of the Depression era, was completed in 1938 and is a landmark of transitional Modernist design based on Classical architecture. ARG has provided historic architecture, preservation, and conservation services for the on-going renovation project.

Together with Cannon Design (formerly SRG Partnership) the Oregon State Capitol Renovation has been completed in three distinct phases under the Capitol Accessibility, Maintenance, and Safety project (CAMS). In addition to the life safety upgrades in the building with a base isolation system, the work undertaken also includes extensive ADA accessibility upgrades; exterior stone and window restoration; installation of access control / ADA hardware into historic openings; the construction of two new underground mechanical vaults; and mechanical, plumbing, electrical, data infrastructure, and fire safety system upgrades. As lead preservation planner for the design team, ARG also led the review and consultation process with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).

This project is currently under construction.

collage of OR capitol, on the left a side view of steps and monument and on the right a large gold man statue

WHAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW
The Capitol building is distinguished by its angular, unadorned exterior elevations, and a massive ribbed lantern, all sheathed in Danby marble from Vermont, and was strikingly modern at the time of its dedication.