All the citizens of Colorado should have an opportunity to participate in funding the restoration of the Capitol dome, one of Colorado’s most famous and historic landmarks, and proudly claim their role in this historic endeavor.
Construction on the state Capitol began on July 6, 1886. The skeleton work of the dome and the interior was completed in 1892, and in 1908 the dome was leafed with gold and an electric bulb installed on top of it.
Now, 102 years after its completion, the cast-iron skeleton of the dome and most of the exterior columns are in need of repair. Since the average life span of cast iron is 60 years, the extent of deterioration is not unusual.
The Capitol and the dome are among the most recognizable symbols of our great state. Millions of visitors tour it each year and people throughout the state take pride in the landmark. They own it.
For this reason, the Colorado General Assembly wants to create a cause-related marketing campaign that combines both public and private investment to complete the restoration without competing with other preservation projects throughout the state. This will be a similar campaign to the national efforts that restored the Statue of Liberty and the Washington Monument. Fifteen other states use this method for the preservation and restoration of their state capitols.
The needed repairs will preserve the integrity of the dome for future generations. The goal is to solicit and receive donations from the general public and to secure grants from the State Historical Fund, private charities and local, state and national preservation foundations. Many of these organizations require matching funds before they make their contribution. The fundraising goal is $15 million and is limited to a two-year campaign.
We anticipate that there will be local fundraising events throughout the state that will focus on the historical significance of the Capitol. Goods and services will be developed to provide a tangible remembrance of financial participation. A project website can be created so people can follow the restoration efforts and learn more about the dome. Safeguards are being put into place to assure that any promotion will maintain the historical integrity of the building, and there will be strict oversight of the promotional activity.
We will make a grant application to the State Historical Fund and fully expect that they will participate. Because the fund has granted over $30 million to the life safety projects in the Capitol over the last six years (fire suppression system, new wiring, new plumbing, new elevators, and additional security features), we feel it is not prudent to rely solely on its funding. Six years ago, the historical fund had about $21 million available. Today, it is down to about $10 million each year.
The historical fund was established to provide grants to historical preservation projects, to encourage local restoration projects, and to promote increased tourism to significant sites. For every $1 invested in those projects, there is a $6 return, especially in rural areas of the state. That is why it is so important to allow fundraising from private sources as well.
A great deal of enthusiasm for a fundraising campaign has already been generated, and many groups are just waiting to be a part of Colorado history.
State Rep. Jim Riesberg is a Democrat representing District 50.
