Sacramento : The California Department of General Services today announced preliminary plans to repair damage to the State Capitol following the crash of a tractor-trailer truck into the south side of the building.

 

"We are still assessing the damage to this historic building and are committed to returning the Capitol to its former grandeur," said DGS Real Services Division Deputy Director Mike Courtney. "Restoring this popular and important state landmark mandates that we consult with experts in historic renovation and architecture."

 

While no measurable structural damage has been detected in the building, there was severe heat damage to an estimated 75 percent of the portico granite on the exterior of the building's south side. Finding replacement granite that matches the existing salvageable granite will be a major undertaking. 

 

The most significant damage inside the building was to Senate hearing room 113. The fiery crash resulted in significant smoke and water damage. Minor water damage was detected in three museum rooms located on the Capitol's first floor as well as in the basement.

 

The construction firm of J.R. Roberts Corporation of Sacramento has been retained by the DGS to provide assistance on the repair project, and will report on the full extent of damage and associated repair costs within 30 days. Members of the company's staff worked on the Capitol Restoration in 1975. In addition, Carey and Company of San Francisco has been retained by the DGS for historic architectural work. The company was already working on a project to repaint the Capitol.