A Legacy Worth Preserving

Commonwealth of Kentucky

Gallery

When a building carries more than a century of civic life, restoration is about more than repair. It is about honoring the past while preparing the place to continue serving the people who depend on it.

  • Commonwealth of Kentucky

    Capitol Building Renovation

  • Location

    Frankfort, Kentucky

  • Year

    Ongoing

Preserving historic places means protecting more than architecture. It means safeguarding the legacy and character of the communities they represent. By thoughtfully restoring and reimagining these spaces, we ensure they remain relevant, functional, and meaningful for future generations.

Preserving the Heart of the Commonwealth

Since opening in 1910, Kentucky’s State Capitol has stood as one of the Commonwealth’s most significant civic landmarks. Designed by renowned architect Frank Mills Andrews, the Capitol remains home to all three branches of Kentucky’s government and a lasting symbol of the Commonwealth’s identity. Recognizing the importance of preserving this irreplaceable asset, the Commonwealth selected Champlin Studios, in association with PDP Architects, to lead its first comprehensive restoration in more than 70 years. Before design began, our team of historic preservationists and architects worked alongside state leaders to assess the Capitol’s condition, define the scope of work, engage building stakeholders, and help secure the funding needed to make the restoration possible.

 

Today, that vision is being realized through the careful restoration of the Capitol’s historic dome, roof, windows, and architectural features while modernizing building systems to better support the people who occupy the building each day. Every decision reflects a commitment to historic preservation, balancing the integrity of this treasured landmark with the performance and functionality needed for generations of continued public service.

More than a restoration, this work is an investment in the future of the Commonwealth. It preserves one of Kentucky’s most treasured civic assets while ensuring the Capitol continues to serve its citizens with the dignity, resilience, and purpose it has embodied for more than a century.