Hosted by the ICAA New England Chapter
The Massachusetts State House, considered a masterpiece of Federal architecture and among architect Charles Bulfinch’s finest works, was built in 1798 and is designated a National Historic Landmark. The project team restored the historic Senate Chamber, which sits on the third floor directly below the iconic gold dome, along with the Senate Reading Room, Lobby, and Catering and Work Room.
Although little had changed in the Senate Chamber since its last major renovation 120 years ago, age, wear, poor environmental systems and more than 20 coats of paint had led to cracked cornices, falling ceiling pieces and leaning columns. The space needed new or upgraded HVAC, safety, audio and information technology/data systems along with accessibility and functional improvements.
Historical elements such as stained-glass windows, marble busts, chandeliers, Senators’ desks, the President’s Rostrum, the state seal, and the signature eagle and banner, were packaged up and sent out for refinishing according to the strict requirements of the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC). To restore the dome’s curved, sunburst ceiling, the crew installed a platform just below it supported by a massive network of scaffolding that spanned the entire Chamber.
Also of note was the removal, restoration, and reinstallation of 1,557 rusticated wall panels, the 30-foot brass chandelier, and the stained-glass Bartlett Hall Laylight, located behind the chamber that served as part of the ceiling of Bartlett Hall below.
Meet between 11:45-12:00 outside at the General Hooker Entrance.The Ashburton Park entrance off Bowdoin Street is wheelchair accessible.
This event is hosted by an ICAA Chapter. Please check the Chapter website or contact the Chapter directly for the most up-to-date details including dates, times, and pricing.
John retired in January 2023 with nearly 50 years of construction experience, including the award-winning renovation of the historic Massachusetts State House Senate Chamber in 2018 for the Commonwealth’s Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM). His last Colantonio project was the comprehensive systems upgrade of the John W. McCormack Building, DCAMM’s 21-story headquarters, located next to the State House. The project was capped off with a series of helicopter lifts of emergency generator equipment from the Boston Common to the building’s roof. John has worked in locations across the United States, the Caribbean, and the United Kingdom on projects in the academic, office building, retail, and health care markets. He also served as a Fireman First Class for the United States Coast Guard.