ST. PAUL - While the Minnesota State Capitol undergoes a massive renovation project, we're taking a look back at the construction of the impressive building.

Today on the News @ Noon Show on WJON, Randy Croce talked about the early days. He's the project director and video producer of a documentary called "Who Built Our Capitol?"  It's a project of the Labor Education Service at the University of Minnesota.

Croce says construction took several years, from 1896 until 1907. Work had to be halted a number of times, while the state legislature debated allocating more money for the project.  It was initially expected to cost between $1 million and $1.5 million to build, but the final cost ran over $4.5 million.

The was a lot of controversy over the materials used. Builder Cass Gilbert wanted marble to be shipped in. However, many in the state want it to be built of granite quarried from right here in Central Minnesota.

Of course, the dome atop the State Capitol is one of it's most unique features. But, figuring out how to design it took a lot of work.

The interior of the State Capitol has changed many times of its 100-plus year history.

The documentary is being broadcast throughout Minnesota by the TPT Minnesota Channel 2-2 this coming Sunday, October 26th at 8:00 p.m.


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