Utah Administrative Code Topic - Capitol Preservation Board (State)
The Capitol Preservation Board (CPB) of Utah is a state agency established under the Utah Administrative Code. Its primary mission is to oversee the preservation, maintenance, and management of the Utah State Capitol and its surrounding grounds, ensuring that these historic sites are properly cared for and remain accessible to the public. The board is also responsible for overseeing the restoration and renovation of the Capitol building, ensuring its longevity for future generations.
1. Purpose and Role of the Capitol Preservation Board
The Capitol Preservation Board is responsible for preserving the Utah State Capitol as both a functional government building and a historic landmark. Its duties include:
Preserving and maintaining the Capitol and its grounds.
Restoring or renovating parts of the Capitol when needed to preserve its historical integrity.
Overseeing the Capitol Hill Complex, which includes not just the Capitol building but also adjacent buildings and structures.
2. Structure of the Capitol Preservation Board
The board consists of several members, who typically include:
Governor (or a representative appointed by the Governor).
Lieutenant Governor.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
President of the Utah Senate.
Two members of the Utah House of Representatives.
Two members of the Utah Senate.
At least one member from the public, often with expertise in architecture, history, or preservation.
This broad representation ensures that both the legislative and executive branches of the state are involved, as well as experts in preservation, while also bringing a public perspective to the board’s decision-making.
3. Responsibilities of the Capitol Preservation Board
The Capitol Preservation Board has a variety of responsibilities related to the management, maintenance, and preservation of the Capitol and its grounds. These include:
a) Capitol Building Preservation
The primary responsibility of the CPB is to ensure that the Utah State Capitol is well-maintained and preserved. This includes:
Overseeing maintenance projects, such as repairs to the building’s infrastructure, electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, and more.
Managing the restoration of historical features, ensuring that the building's original architectural integrity is maintained.
Coordinating with architectural historians, preservation specialists, and other professionals to ensure that the Capitol’s historical significance is respected and preserved.
b) Capitol Grounds and Landscaping
In addition to the Capitol building itself, the board is responsible for the surrounding grounds and landscaping, which include:
Managing the Capitol’s lawns, gardens, and walkways to preserve their aesthetic value.
Maintaining the monuments, statues, and other public art located on the grounds.
Overseeing the landscaping and design of surrounding areas to maintain a pleasing and functional public space.
c) Public Education and Accessibility
The Capitol Preservation Board also ensures that the Utah State Capitol is accessible to the public for educational purposes. This includes:
Providing public tours of the Capitol, educating visitors about its history, architecture, and role in state government.
Hosting educational programs, events, and exhibits to engage the public and inform them about Utah’s political history.
Ensuring ADA accessibility for individuals with disabilities to ensure that the Capitol is open and accessible to all Utahns.
d) Facility Management
The board also has the responsibility of overseeing the Capitol’s use for public and government events, including:
Scheduling and managing events that occur within the Capitol building, such as legislative sessions, official ceremonies, and public meetings.
Overseeing security measures, including emergency preparedness and the protection of both the Capitol building and the public.
Ensuring the capitol is functional and suitable for government operations.
e) Preservation of Art and Historical Artifacts
The Capitol houses several important works of art, statues, and historical artifacts. The board is tasked with:
Managing the collection of art, including sculptures and paintings that reflect the history of Utah.
Ensuring that these artifacts are properly stored, displayed, and maintained in accordance with best practices for art preservation.
4. Funding and Budgeting
The Capitol Preservation Board operates on a budget allocated by the state government. The board may also seek additional funding through:
State appropriations for large-scale preservation or renovation projects.
Private donations or grants to support restoration projects and the acquisition of artifacts.
Revenue generated through Capitol tours or other public events.
5. Capitol Restoration and Renovation Projects
The CPB plays a pivotal role in overseeing the restoration and renovation of the Capitol building. Significant historical preservation projects might include:
Renovations of the Capitol’s interior and exterior to repair aging structures and bring them up to modern safety and efficiency standards without compromising historical features.
Restoring historical elements, such as the Capitol’s grand staircase, murals, and frescoes, to maintain the building’s original design and aesthetics.
Modernization projects, like updating the Capitol’s technology systems (e.g., electrical wiring, heating and cooling systems) to ensure the building’s functionality while preserving its historic integrity.
A major renovation project that occurred in recent years was the restoration of the Capitol which was completed in 2008. This project aimed to preserve the Capitol’s historic character while ensuring the building was safe, modernized, and fit for current use. It included significant work on the interior and exterior of the building, including seismic upgrades, restoration of artwork, and improvements in building infrastructure.
6. Historic Preservation and State Heritage
The Capitol Preservation Board’s work is also tied to the broader context of historic preservation in Utah. The Capitol building itself is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means the state must adhere to certain preservation standards when undertaking renovations and restorations.
The CPB’s commitment to historical preservation ensures that future generations can appreciate and learn from the Capitol as a symbol of Utah’s history and governance.
7. Public Access and Use of the Capitol
The Utah State Capitol is an active government facility, so it is also a space used for legislative sessions, meetings, and other state functions. The CPB ensures that the Capitol is accessible to the public for:
Legislative sessions: The Capitol serves as the center of Utah’s legislative activities, where both the Utah House of Representatives and Utah Senate meet.
Public hearings, forums, and meetings: Various public events and meetings are held in the Capitol’s halls, and the CPB helps coordinate the use of the building for these purposes.
Tourism: The Capitol is open to tourists, who can visit to learn about the state’s history, architecture, and government.
8. Capital Improvement and Future Planning
As part of its long-term role, the Capitol Preservation Board plans for future maintenance, restoration, and improvement projects. This involves:
Regularly assessing the condition of the Capitol and grounds.
Coordinating with state officials and preservation experts to prioritize projects that balance historical preservation with modern needs.
Planning for the future development of Capitol Hill, which may include new construction projects or enhancements to the Capitol’s infrastructure.
Conclusion
The Capitol Preservation Board plays a vital role in maintaining and preserving the Utah State Capitol as a historic, functional government building. Its responsibilities range from managing day-to-day maintenance to overseeing large-scale preservation and restoration projects. The board ensures that the Capitol remains a fitting symbol of Utah’s government and history, while also making it accessible for public education and use. Through its efforts, the Capitol stands as an enduring symbol of the state’s civic and historical identity.
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