Hosted by the Minnesota Regional Subcommittee of the ICAA Chicago–Midwest

Chapter, this program includes a lecture and behind-the-scenes tour of two of

Minnesota’s most significant civic buildings: the Minnesota State Capitol and the

Minnesota Judicial Center.

The event will begin with a lecture by Michael Bjornberg (FAIA, CID, NCARB), NPS

Qualified Historic Architect and the Minnesota Historical Society Site Manager. Michael

led the Capitol Restoration, has worked on National Register buildings across the

United States, and is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Minnesota teaches

courses in Historic Preservation. The presentation will address the history, planning,

and restoration of National Register–listed civic buildings, with emphasis on life safety,

MEP integration, code compliance, and long-term stewardship.

Participants will then tour the Minnesota State Capitol, designed by Cass Gilbert,

experiencing its Beaux-Arts architecture, integrated artwork, and engineering

innovations, including the second-largest self-supported marble dome in the world. The

tour includes access to the House, Senate, and historic Supreme Court chambers, as

well as restored public spaces and previously non-public areas returned to use through

the recent restoration.

The program concludes with a guided tour of the Minnesota Judicial Center, designed

by Clarence Johnston Sr., exploring the operation of the Minnesota Supreme Court and

how historic civic buildings continue to serve active governmental functions. ICAA

Sponsored Cocktail Party to Follow.

The building tour will note building history, restoration efforts, Life Safety and Code

improvements, MEP integration, and learned lessons for similar projects.

Learning Objectives

1) Participants will learn about the history of the Minnesota State Capitol,

construction and the Architect Cass Gilbert. They will learn how the capitol

building was planned and designed. They will learn how the architect was

selected and the influence it had on future architect selection processes for

public buildings

2) Participants will learn how the 1900’s era buildings were updated and provided

with code compliance, new MEP systems, fire protection, lighting and egress in a

way that was sensitively integrated in National Register Listed Buildings.

3) Participants will experience key functioning State Government buildings

accommodating public interaction and participation. They will see how that varies

in the Capitol Building as compared to a Judicial Center with security concerns.

4) Participants will learn about the management of historic resources through

discussions with architect and Minnesota Historical Society staff. And learn how

comprehensive restoration considered the long-term maintenance and upkeep

5) Participants will learn about the function and operation of the Minnesota

Supreme Court Facility and how they manage holding court sessions in two

different facilities. They will learn why it is important to maintain a presence in the

State Capitol after receiving a new dedicated facility