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Oklahoma Capitol to Get New, $9.3M Copper Roof

Oklahoma Watch

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Construction crews are preparing to replace the Oklahoma Capitol's copper roof, which officials consider to be the biggest unexpected expense so far in the building's ongoing restoration project.

Replacing the 45,000 square feet of copper roofing will cost the state $9.3 million. Project manager Trait Thompson doesn't plan to ask lawmakers for more money because the restoration plan has built-in funds for unforeseen expenses, the Oklahoman reported.

"By the end of the project, we'll have a 100-percent complete new roof on the Capitol," Thompson said. "The great thing about the copper roof is that it's historic, it's what was originally on the building and it will also be a very long-lasting roof."

Construction workers are restoring both the exterior and interior of the century-old building. Exterior improvements are expected to be finished early next year. Interior construction involves modernizing offices and replacing plumbing, electrical wiring and heating and air systems. The interior upgrades are expected to be complete by the end of 2022.

Contractor Manhattan Construction said the project initiated in 2015 appears to be on budget based on a review of the next four years of expected work.

"We have had some unforeseen conditions as you would expect on a 450,000-square-foot building that really hasn't had a comprehensive restoration in its history," Thompson said. "But overall, we're very pleased with how things are going at this stage of the project."

Meanwhile, Capitol visitors can expect to see a new accessible ground floor and dining area, with plans to show live chamber feeds.

"It's going to be a nice gathering place for people in the Capitol," Thompson said of the ground floor. "We're pretty excited about that area. We feel like it's going to be a game-changer for the Capitol and for the amenities in the building."