Commission outlines phased restoration of Capitol rotunda glass floor

LANSING — Commission staff outlined plans to restore the Michigan State Capitol's rotunda glass floor to its historical specification, telling commissioners that an analysis found many pieces inserted after a 1930s fire and that most non-original panes will be replaced.

Executive Director Rob said the glazing analysis indicated nearly two-thirds of the current glass had been replaced after the 1930s fire with thinner glass; staff plan to replace 685 of 976 pieces to return the floor to the original specification. Rob said Lansing Glass will handle installation and Lucid Glass Studio will produce replacement pieces, with production beginning in February and an expected first installation in April. He described a phased approach, working one quarter of the floor at a time to keep portions of the building open and to provide interpretive graphics for visitors during the work.

Rob said the team found evidence on a sample pane that allowed for historical confirmation and that Lucid Glass estimates about six weeks to complete each production set. Work on scaffolding and other restoration elements is scheduled to coordinate with other ceiling and rotunda projects to minimize disruption. Staff will post photos and updates on the MSCC website as the project progresses.