Masonry Evaluation of the Kansas State Capitol

Client: State of Kansas

Site: Topeka, Kansas

As part of a Historic Structures Report, the Collaborative performed a comprehensive masonry conditions evaluation for the Kansas State Capitol. With funding for the first phase and the oldest portion, the East Wing, an intensive evaluation determined the condition of each of the more than 6,000 stones that, make up this building. Previous repairs were recorded, as were current problems, and the required remedial treatments identified. The information was then transferred from individual file sheets to a database for incorporation into construction plans, and repair tables. The preservation process included training masons in proper procedures by master preservation stonemasons from RJW Stonemasons of Ottawa, Canada. A historic quarry was evaluated and reopened to provide the specific limestone to match that of the East Wing.