With the 2019 legislative session behind us, the Capitol is a much quieter place at the moment with the exception of the sounds of heavy machinery, hammers, drills and other equipment as work continues on the multi-year State Capitol Restoration project.

One of the biggest, visible changes taking place is the creation of a new public entrance to the building. For years, most visitors came in the southeast entrance on the first floor, just to the right of the outside steps leading into the building. Workers are currently excavating a new entrance, which will actually bring the public in at the...