Original Construction
1879
Completion Date
1992 Size
90,000 sqft
Awards
1992 National Preservation Honor Award
National Trust for Historic Preservation
1996 AIA Honor Award for Design
National Historic Landmark

Designed in 1879 by Elijah E. Myers, "the greatest capitol-builder of the Gilded Age," the Michigan State Capitol stands as one of only 50 state capitol buildings in the country, serving as a monumental expression of American democracy and the state's most important public building. Following the completion of a restoration Master Plan in 1986 by Richard C. Frank, FAIA, the Capitol underwent extensive work to preserve its Victorian grandeur while upgrading its infrastructure to meet modern operational standards.

Gene Hopkins, now a principal of HopkinsBurns, served as the implementing architect for the restoration of the Senate Appropriations Committee Room, Senate Offices, and Ground Floor Corridors, while also consulting on the restoration of the Senate Chamber. He coordinated specialists in decorative painting, lighting, interiors, and systems, even designing custom, historically appropriate furniture to conceal modern technology. Recognized for his expertise and deep knowledge of the landmark, Hopkins was appointed Architect of the Capitol in 2008 by the Michigan State Capitol Commission. Today, the HopkinsBurns team continues to oversee ongoing restoration and renovation projects, including office updates, decorative plaster restoration, and the integration of ADA-accessible restrooms.