Project Overview

• Stair structure spans approximately:
  • 110 feet in width at the base
  • Rises 30 feet in height
  • Extends 65 feet deep

The West Virginia State Capitol Building, an iconic neoclassical structure and the seat of the state legislature, symbolizes West Virginia’s rich history. The North entrance features a monumental staircase made of brick masonry, structural steel, and reinforced concrete, with elegant limestone treads and panels. Beneath it lies the State Legislature’s Reading Room, a space that reflects the Capitol’s architectural heritage.

When a section of concrete beneath the Reading Room deteriorated, an Emergency Purchase Order was issued. The damage was traced to water infiltration, which corroded reinforced steel bars and degraded the concrete-encased steel beams supporting the structure.

PULLMAN was selected for the project due to our expertise in historic restoration. The repair included removing and replacing damaged concrete, installing waterproofing to mitigate future damage, and strengthening the structure to support its weight.

To address the structural needs, PULLMAN worked with STRUCTURAL TECHNOLOGIES, who supplied the CSS V-Wrap™ system, a high-strength carbon fiber-reinforced polymer to enhance the structure’s load-carrying capacity.

The restoration preserved the Capitol’s historical value while ensuring its resilience against future challenges. The project received an Award of Merit in the Special Projects category of the ICRI Project Awards Program.