NYS Capitol Inspections

The New York State Capitol is one of the most architecturally significant public buildings in the United States and serves as the center of New York State government. As part of a comprehensive preservation and restoration initiative, the New York State Office of General Services undertook the rehabilitation of the Capitol’s Eastern Approach, a prominent 15,000-square-foot terraced granite staircase and public entry sequence that has welcomed visitors for more than a century.

The project includes extensive restoration of the Eastern Approach Staircase, North and South Promenades, Eastern Portico, and Executive Ramp. Rehabilitation efforts are focused on correcting decades of deterioration caused by water infiltration, weather exposure, and aging infrastructure. Work includes reconstruction of damaged stairways and retaining walls, installation of modern drainage and waterproofing systems, restoration of historic architectural elements, and upgrades to windows, doors, and related building components to preserve the Capitol’s long-term integrity.

Constructed between 1867 and 1899, the New York State Capitol is a National Historic Landmark and is listed on both the National and New York State Registers of Historic Places. The building is recognized for its extraordinary architectural craftsmanship and remains one of the state’s most iconic civic structures.

The Eastern Approach Rehabilitation represents a critical investment in preserving this historic landmark for future generations while maintaining public access and operational functionality. The project requires careful coordination among preservation architects, engineers, environmental consultants, and state agencies to ensure that restoration efforts meet stringent historic preservation standards while addressing modern performance and safety requirements.

Serving as a subconsultant to John G. Waite Associates, Architects, PLLC, Encorus Group provided comprehensive regulated building materials consulting services in support of the rehabilitation project. Our team performed detailed hazardous materials investigations to identify environmental conditions that could impact restoration activities, worker safety, project scheduling, and regulatory compliance.

In addition to conducting field inspections, Encorus prepared abatement design documentation, cost estimates, and supporting construction documents to assist the project team with planning and budgeting for environmental remediation activities. Our work provided critical information needed to safely advance restoration efforts while protecting both workers and the historic fabric of the Capitol.