With the completion of the Utah State Capitol renovation just around the corner, and the Formal Re-Dedication Ceremonies scheduled for January 4th (Statehood Day), it’s no wonder why the Lt. Governor Gary Herbert is a wee bit concerned.  Link HERE for news article.

During a relatively “slow” portion of the Republican Caucus meeting (all day, last Monday), I took the opportunity to do a brisk walk-through on the four main levels of the Capitol.  I’ll add my concern to that of the Lt. Guv’s.  With just two weeks remaining until the grand re-opening (the Holiday two weeks remaining) there ain’t no way it’s gonna be finished in time.

Skeptical?  Yup.  Realistic?  Yup.  Optimistic?  Nope.

Look, I’m in the construction industry, professionally I mean, and two things happen to a project at this point.  First, the closets and ancillary office spaces get loaded up with all kinds of stuff crap junk (equipment and materials), stuff that doesn’t belong there and the builder tapes a sign on the door–”No Public Access.”  Voile!  And, second, the “necessary” work quickly and sometimes sloppily is accomplished (not to specification or anticipated quality).  (That’s why “punchlists” are necessary.)

DON’T GET ME WRONG.  What I saw, in completed work, was nothing less than SPECTACULAR!!!  A true WORK OF ART!!!  Dave Hart, AIA and crew have done A REMARKABLE JOB!!!  It’s a building the people of Utah should BE PROUD OF!!!  Really!!!

Just don’t look under the tarps during the Open House.