Controversy and debate have occurred in a few areas recently regarding the Architect of the Capitol Office. Washington State Senator Patty Murray criticized Acting Architect Stephen T. Ayers for the way he handled the situation when it was learned that asbestos had been found in utility tunnels under the Capitol Complex. In addition, the most recent AOC, Alan M. Hantman, has been blamed by many for the cost of building the soon-to-open Capitol Visitor Center (CVC), which more than doubled, and for falling three years behind schedule, although there is general agreement that some of the problems with building the CVC sprung from the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Currently, however, the issues regarding Hantman are seemingly impacting the choice for a new permanent AOC. It has been more than a year since Hantman retired and Congress has yet to nominate a replacement. The American Institute of Architects is strongly recommending a licensed architect for the job, but some in Congress are indicating that Hantman’s lack of ability to handle the large nature of the CVC project is giving them pause insofar as choosing another architect for the position.

 

The winning design for the original Capitol building, chosen in 1793 by President George Washington, in a national architectural competition, was the concept created by Dr. William Thornton, a Scottish-trained physician living in Tortola, British West Indies. Thornton then became the first Architect of the Capitol, designing and supervising its initial construction, under the direction of President Washington and the Commissioners of the Federal district. That version of the Capitol wasn’t completed, however, until 1826, after several stops and starts that included time off from construction during the War of 1812; re-grouping after a fire; and including the terms of three presidents and two more Architects of the Capitol. From 1829 to 1849 the Commissioner of Public Buildings was entrusted with care of the Capitol. Running water was introduced in 1832, gas lighting in the 1840s, a House of Representatives Chamber in 1857, and the Senate Chamber two years later. Then in 1861 most construction was suspended because of the Civil War, and during that period the Capitol was used briefly as a military barracks, hospital, and bakery. In 1862 work on the building resumed, and the growth of the Congress made expansion at that time a necessity, with the extension, and a new dome, completed by 1868.

 

In 1874 the first elevator was installed, and in 1876 the Office of the Architect of the Capitol was established. The Sundry Civil Appropriation Act of 1876 provided AOC with permanent authority to care for and maintain the U.S. Capitol, and although the Office has been in existence ever since, some of its functions have changed significantly as new buildings and grounds have become part of the Capitol Complex, and new technology has led to many modifications in structures and ways of operating. In the 1880s electric lighting began to replace gas lights, and fireproofing was completed in 1902. Among the changes from July 1949 to January 1951 were the House and Senate chambers being completely remodeled, including modernizing air conditioning and lighting, and solving acoustical problems. Between 1958 and 1962 new rooms were added to the Capitol, the dome was repaired, a subway terminal was constructed under the Senate steps, and the building was birdproofed. In the 1960s the Rayburn House Office Building was constructed, and in 1973 electronic voting equipment was installed in the House Chamber. The Old Senate Chamber, National Statuary Hall, and Old Supreme Court Chamber were restored to their mid-19th century appearance for the 1976 Bicentennial Celebration. Provisions were made to allow the televising of House and Senate debates in 1979 and 1986 respectively. Eventually climate control, electronic surveillance systems, and new communications facilities were added.

 

Until 1989 the position of Architect of the Capitol was filled by Presidential appointment for an indefinite term. Public Law 101-163, enacted in 1989, mandated that the President appoint the Architect for a 10-year term, with the advice and consent of the Senate, from a list of three candidates recommended by a Congressional Commission. Upon confirmation by the Senate, the Architect then becomes an official of the Legislative Branch, an officer and agent of Congress, eligible for reappointment after completion of his term.

 

Four years after that law passed, in 1993, restoration of the Capitol west front and terraces, and the in-filling of courtyards, were completed, and now the newest major addition, and largest project in the Capitol’s history, the $548 million Capitol Visitor Center, is due to open in November, 2008. It will cover nearly 580,000 square feet, on three levels, and serve as a welcoming spot for visitors to the Capitol. Among the amenities the site will contain are an exhibition gallery that will house a variety of historical displays, including original documents from the National Archives and Library of Congress, and Orientation Theatres, including a House Theater and a Senate Theater, which will provide live feeds to the House and Senate when they’re in session.

 

The Architect of the Capitol has permanent authority for the care and mechanical and structural maintenance and future development of the U.S. Capitol building, Congressional office buildings, the Library of Congress buildings, the U.S. Supreme Court building, the Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building, the Capitol Power Plant, the Capitol Police Headquarters, and the Robert A Taft Memorial, as well as the upkeep and improvement of the Capitol Grounds, and the arrangement of inaugural and other ceremonies held in the Capitol building or on the grounds.

 

The Senate Committee on rules and administration holds approval over how the Architect handles his responsibilities in connection with the Senate side of the Capitol, while his activities are subject to the approval and direction of the House Office Building Commission in connection with his duties regarding the House Office Buildings and Capitol Power Plant. On other matters concerning the House side of the Capitol, he is under the direction of the speaker, and is subject to the oversight of the Committee on House Administration regarding House administration areas. For his responsibilities regarding the care and maintenance and restoration of works of art in the Capitol, including murals, oil paintings, bronze and marble statues, and sculptures, he is under the direction of the Joint Committee on the Library.

 

The Architect is also the Acting Director of the United States Botanic Garden under the Joint Committee on the Library. In addition, his office erects the inaugural platform on the Capitol’s west front, sets up the necessary seating and fencing on the grounds, and coordinates other activities with the Joint Congressional Committee on the Inaugural Ceremonies regarding all of the necessary physical arrangements.

 

The Architect also serves as a member of the Capitol Police Board; Capitol Guide Board; District of Columbia Zoning Commission; Advisory Council on History Preservation; National Capital Memorial Commission; Art Advisory Committee to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority; and the National Institute for Conservation of Cultural Property; and is an ex-officio member of the United States Capitol Preservation Commission.

 

Current projects under the direction of the Architect of the Capitol, besides the CVC, include replacement of worn tile in Senate corridors; renovation of hearing rooms, and the improvement of electrical, fire-protection, plumbing, and transportation systems in the Capitol and Congressional office buildings; installation of perimeter security devices across the Capitol complex; development of a Capitol Complex Master Plan; expansion and modernization of the Capitol Power Plant; and modernization of the Supreme Court building and the construction of an underground annex to it.

 

Capitol Visitor Center Fact Sheet (PDF)

Architects, carpenters, carpet installers, cleaning crews, construction people, designers, drivers, electricians, engineers, food vendors, IT developers, painters, plumbers, repairmen, roofers, telecommunication workers.

 

“Contractors at the Capitol Power plant utility tunnels were exposed to asbestos for almost a month while working without proper safety equipment, according to two tunnel safety reports and internal e-mails obtained by the Hill.”

Contractors were exposed to asbestos (by Kelly McCormack, The Hill)