Kentucky State Capitol

K. Norman Berry Associates led a team of both national and local consultants to prepare a master plan that would plot a course for future improvements.

This master plan has been the basis for the restoration of the Capitol, Capitol Annex, Executive Office Building, and a new service tunnel between the facilities. Since the plan was completed in 1999, K. Norman Berry Associates Architects has exclusively provided architectural services on over a dozen significant projects to the Kentucky State Capitol, Annex and Governor’s Mansion.

Kentucky State Capitol, Annex & Governor's Mansion

Since the master plan was completed in 1999, K. Norman Berry Associates Architects has provided architectural services on over a dozen significant projects to the Kentucky State Capitol, Annex and Governor’s Mansion:

Capitol Electrical Upgrades - 2022
Capitol Building Facade Restoration Phase 1 & 2 - 2018
Capitol Annex Terrace Repairs - 2017
Capitol House & Senate Chambers Renovation - 2011
Old State Capitol Roof Replacement - 2010
Capitol Annex Roof Replacement- 2010
Capitol Annex Building - Legislative Senate Offices - 2008
Capitol Annex Building - Legislative Hearing Rooms - 2008
Capitol Rotunda Restoration - 2008
Governor’s Mansion Window/Door Replacement - 2006
Capitol and Capitol Annex Renovation (through design development) - 2003
Capitol Entrance Visitor’s Desk - 2005
Capitol Master Plan - 1999
Capitol Dome Renovation - 1998
State Capitol Pediment Restoration - 1994
Governor’s Mansion - Exterior Cleaning - 1994

Kentucky State Capitol Dome Replacement

In 1999, K. Norman Berry Associates led the team that analyzed, surveyed, prepared the construction documents, and performed the construction administration for the removal and replacement of the terra-cotta tile dome. The terra-cotta cladding of the dome had been installed in 1941. The glazed terra-cotta dome cladding had deteriorated due to trapped moisture penetrating the unglazed bisque back surface of the individual units, causing their surfaces to spall.

The Dome restoration was the first, among many tasks, that KNBA has executed since the Master Plan was completed, keeping our State’s Capitol intact.

The terra-cotta was surveyed and inventoried. Laboratory tests on damaged material, inspection of the dome conditions and original construction drawings were reviewed to evaluate conditions and determine restoration procedures.

Scaffolding was erected spanning from the base of the dome to the top without resting on the terra-cotta to allow pieces to be completely removed, a waterproofing membrane to be installed on the structural dome and replacement terra-cotta to be re-installed. Pieces scheduled to be replaced were sent to the terra-cotta manufacturer’s plant in Great Britain for molds to be made. The terra-cotta lantern was fully documented for replacement. The terra-cotta pieces, some weighing as much as 250 lbs., were re-installed through a tedious process over a portland-cement parge coat. Project duration was 14 months.

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K. Norman Berry Associates led a team of both national and local consultants to prepare a master plan that would plot a course for future improvements.

Kentucky State Capitol, Annex & Governor's Mansion

Kentucky State Capitol Dome Replacement

The Dome restoration was the first, among many tasks, that KNBA has executed since the Master Plan was completed, keeping our State’s Capitol intact.

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