(MPRN-Lansing) In one of many concessions to the budget crisis of the 1990s, the state Capitol in Lansing was closed to the public on weekends. Now, almost 20 years later, finances have improved, and the historic building will re-open to visitors on Saturdays.
The decision was made by the Michigan Capitol Commission, which governs operations of the Victorian-era structure listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
The decision to close the Capitol on weekends came as the state was in a deep recession and short on money. Back then, John Truscott was the press secretary for then-Governor John Engler. Now, he sits on the commission that governs the Capitol.
“Those were fairly desperate times,” he said. “The budget was in very, very difficult shape. Now that Michigan as in a growth-mode recovery – not that the budget is perfect – we’ve got a little room to breathe.”
He says re-opening on the weekends tells people the state’s turned a corner
“It’s a wonderfully historic building, and now on the weekends, at least on Saturdays, they’ll be able to enjoy it again,”
he said following the commission’s vote. Truscott says long-delayed repairs and improvements are also underway, and scaffolding will soon surround much of the structure – including the dome.
It’s the first state Capitol designed with a white dome to resemble the U.S. Capitol. However, there are still budget challenges facing the state. Truscott says those have forced the commission to delay plans to build a welcome center for students and other visitors.
The Capitol will re-open on Saturdays starting June 6. The hours will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guided tours will be available.
