For Immediate Release

**PRESS RELEASE**

Capitol Restoration Project Visitor Entrance Ribbon-cutting Ceremony a success

Oklahoma City, OK – After 18 months of construction, the new Oklahoma State Capitol Visitor Entrance, located on the southeast corner of the State Capitol building, is now open. To commemorate, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at 10 a.m. on Sept. 16. Steve Mason, chairman of the State Capitol Restoration Expenditure Oversight Committee, introduced the ceremony while state leaders Rep. Mark McBride and Sen. Roger Thompson, both members of the State Capitol Restoration Oversight Committee, shared remarks.

Also speaking were Fred Schmidt, FSB principal, and Craig Abbott, Manhattan Construction vice president, followed by Governor Kevin Stitt with the keynote address. 

"One hundred years after Governor Lee Cruce first broke ground on the Oklahoma State Capitol in 1914, our state started a new journey to ensure the 'People’s House' would be restored and preserved for generations to come," said Gov. Stitt. "Thanks to the countless men and women who have worked to make this vision a reality, we're celebrating a major milestone by opening the new visitor entrance. I look forward to seeing how this first-class front door to the heart of our State Capitol will help set the stage to inspire future generations of leaders and welcome people from across Oklahoma as they make their voices heard." 

The ceremony concluded with closing remarks by Chairman Mason and Capitol Restoration Project Manager Trait Thompson leading Gov. Stitt and the rest of the assembly on a brief tour of the entrance. 

“As project manager, I’ve had the distinct privilege of shepherding the $275 million restoration of the Oklahoma State Capitol since 2014," said Trait Thompson. "One of our goals since the beginning has been to improve the visitor experience at the Capitol. Today, we achieved a major milestone in that effort. I’m exceedingly proud of our contractors, architects, and our OMES team for their diligent work on this major addition to the State Capitol.”

Watch the full event here. 

Media Contact

Caden Cleveland
405-521-2213 | [email protected]

About the Office of Management and Enterprise Services
 

The Office of Management and Enterprise Services provides financial, property, purchasing, human resources and information technology services to all state agencies, and assists the Governor’s Office on budgetary policy matters. Our mission:  Provide excellent service, expert guidance and continuous improvement in support of our partners’ goals. For more information, visit OMES.OK.gov.