Connecticut’s Bond Commission allocated $850,000 to repairs to exterior masonry and windows at the Old State House in Downtown Hartford.
The allocation, which was approved Tuesday is part of $1.7 million that has been earmarked for the project, said Eric Connery, facilities manager at the state Office of Legislative Management. Connery expects the state will send a request for proposals to solicit bids from contractors by next summer, and construction would probably take under a year once a firm is selected.
Connecticut’s legislature took control of the Old State House (which operates as a museum but has been closed during the COVID-19 pandemic) in 2008. Previously the Connecticut Historical Society ran the building.
“Our goal is to continue to run [the Old State House] as we are now, and improve on it,” Connery said, pointing out that the 800 Main St. location is in the heart of the Capital City. “We’re trying to act as that cultural hub.”