Restoring the Senate Chamber Thirty-Six Years Ago
Thirty-six years ago, in 1989, the Michigan State Capitol's Senate Chamber underwent an extensive restoration as part of the building’s award-winning preservation project. Over the years, various alterations had compromised the historical integrity of the space, including the removal of the original glass lay light ceiling tiles, modifications to the rostrum, and the introduction of contemporary carpets, draperies, and multiple layers of paint.
Determined to return the Chamber to its original grandeur, the Senate, led by Majority Leader John Engler, agreed to relocate temporarily. While they met in the old Supreme Court Chamber—now known as the Senate Appropriations Committee Room—skilled tradesmen and women took over the Senate Chamber to begin the meticulous restoration process.
Craftspeople carefully replicated missing plaster ornaments, thoroughly researched and recreated the Chamber’s intricate decorative art, and restored the original crystal chandeliers. Additionally, they installed a new carpet that matched the period-appropriate design, further enhancing the historical authenticity of the space.
After nearly a year of dedicated work, the Senate Chamber was rededicated on January 10, 1990. It became the first room in the Capitol to be fully restored, setting the standard for the rest of the building’s transformation. The successful restoration of the Senate Chamber quickly became a symbol of the entire project’s mission—to preserve and celebrate Michigan’s legislative history. By the time the full Capitol restoration was completed in 1992, the Michigan State Capitol had been designated a National Historic Landmark, the highest distinction awarded to historic buildings in the United States.
The images included showcase this dramatic transformation, illustrating the Senate Chamber during restoration and after its completion. The work undertaken thirty-six years ago remains a testament to Michigan’s dedication to preserving its rich legislative and architectural history.