Louisiana State Capitol

Baton Rouge, LA

Vertical Access performed a hands-on investigation of the exterior façades of the State Capitol tower and base to assist the project team with preparation of repair recommendations and documents.

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Building description

The Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge was designed by Weiss, Dreyfous and Seiferth to replace the older Capitol building several blocks to the south. Whereas the Old State Capitol is castle-like in appearance, the new Louisiana State Capitol was designed in an Art Deco Style incorporating figurative sculpture and bas relief carvings depicting Louisiana’s history. Construction began in December, 1930 and the completed building was dedicated in May, 1932.

The Capitol is a steel frame structure with eight-inch thick brick walls and Alabama limestone cladding. The 450-foot tower rises above a four-story base, which contains the Senate and House chambers along with Memorial Hall. Expressive carvings found on the exterior include bas relief battle scenes, eagles, pelicans, crawfish, corn, and other fauna and flora in addition to geometric ornament.

Scope of work

  • Performed hands-on survey of the exterior masonry.
  • Documented existing conditions with digital photographs hyperlinked to annotated condition drawings, (TPAS®).
  • Conducted non-destructive investigations at selected areas using ground penetrating radar, (GPR).

Building owner

State of Louisiana

In collaboration with