PROJECT PROFILES
Utah’s State Capitol
In 1912, The Utah State Capitol was designed by Utah architect Richard K.A. Kletting. His vision incorporated modern construction methods and materials including reinforced concrete which was state-of-the-art for his time. Kletting’s award-winning plans included elevators, exquisite electrical lighting, and beautiful craftsmanship throughout. Kletting’s masterpiece was completed in 1916, just four years from time of groundbreaking or conception to completion.
Fast forward to 2004 when major reconstruction and renovation work began on the state capitol. The project goal was to update the structure to meet modern- day building codes including significant seismic upgrades. The capitol needed a new foundation as well as a base isolation system to protect the building and its occupants from earthquake damage—requiring millions of pounds of concrete.
“We considered the opportunity to work on the State Capitol as a serious stewardship to help preserve one of the most significant and important buildings in our state” said Scott W. Parson, company president. “We dedicated our resources to provide technical expertise, innovation, and the service necessary to help meet the construction needs and schedules of our customers. This proved to be a real challenge given the cement shortage that hit during this project but we succeeded in helping keep the project on track.” That’s when project general contractor, Jacobsen-Hunt, brought in Jack B. Parson Companies (JBP), a division of Staker Parson Companies, to supply specially designed concrete mixes used for the new foundation and base isolation system.
“Our goal throughout the course of this project was to preserve the structural and architectural integrity of the building,” stated Rod Higley, JBP Technical Sales Representative. “The Jacobsen-Hunt team was ideal to work with and they had a very well-orchestrated plan in place. We collaborated on the design of mixes, concrete per the specifications, and delivered according to the demanding schedule.”
On January 8, 2008, at the re-dedication of the Capitol, architect David Hart, the man in charge of the $227 million renovation, said, “The quality of this historic restoration ranks among the best in the world.”
Scott W. Parson added, “We were honored to be part of this great renovation project supplying world-class products used to build a safe and secure foundation for Utah’s great State Capitol.”