Will The Capitol Annex Renovation Continue?

The SacBee is reporting that a group of historic preservationists are asking the Capitol Annex project be halted because of the destruction of trees. The current plans call for a underground parking garage on the south side along N Street, a modern visitors center underground to the west and a replacement of the current annex to the east. With the budget deficit expected to run $50 billion or more, the preservationists are asking the state to rethink the project. Lawmakers believe the project is safe because it’s being paid for by selling bonds and repaid to investors over time. Next month lawmakers will negotiate the budget and choose to delay certain projects. The proposed $755 million project includes: (1) the loss of many trees in Capitol Park; (2) the degradation of public gathering spaces; (3) the disturbance of Tribal Native Community resources, and; (4) the demolition of Capitol Annex. Preservation advocates are calling for a better plan.