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Project Phases and Timeline
In response to the competition requirement that the new Capitol be built in a fiscally responsible manner, Bertram Goodhue’s “cross within square” floor plan allowed construction to begin around the old Capitol while still occupied, and workers still conducting state business.
After the north and south sections of the outer square of the new building were constructed around the old, the offices were moved into the new and the old demolished. The second construction phase included the east side of the square and the north, south and east arms of the cross. Third phase construction completed the tower. In the final phase, workers finished the remaining west arm of the cross, completing the building in 1932 after ten years of construction. When landscaping was completed in 1934, the Capitol was fully paid for at a cost of $9.8 million.
Timeline of Capitol Commission and Construction Activity
February, 1919: Legislature passed Bill to create Capitol Commission and fund Capitol Construction
June, 1919: Capitol Commission hires T.R. Kimball as architectural advisor
December, 1919: Preliminary Competition identifies three Nebraska architects for Final Competition
June, 1920: Judgement of Final Competition, Jury choses Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue
November, 1920: Commission signs contract with Architect
April 15, 1922: Groundbreaking for new Capitol by Governor Samuel R. McKelvie
April, 1922: First contract awarded to W.J. Assenmacher Co. for the excavation of the site and laying of foundation.
July, 1922: Contract awarded to J.H. Weise Co. for first phase superstructure construction (north and south sections of square base)
November 11, 1922: Cornerstone laid with American Legion participating
April 24, 1924: Death of architect Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue
November, 1924: Contract signed with Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue Associates for continuance of archtiectural work
December, 1924: State offices moved from old building to newly completed outer square of new building
March 1925: Contracts awarded to J.H. Weise Co. for demolition of old Capitol
April 1925: Contracts for second construction phase awarded to J.H. Weise Co. (east side, east, north and south arms of cross, and base of tower)
February 1928: Contracts for third phase construction (tower) awarded to Peter Kiewit Sons Co.
April 24, 1930: “The Sower” was raised to the top of the Capitol
June 1930: Contracts awarded to W. J. Assenmacher Co. for the fourth phase of construction
August, 1931: Contracts awarded for grounds lighting
September, 1931: Contracts awarded for landscape excavating, grading and concrete work
January, 1932: Contracts awarded for Furnishings including furniture and floor covering
April, 1932: Contracts awarded for Lamp Posts
May, 1932: Contracts awarded for sodding of the grounds
February, 1934: Contracts awarded for planting trees and shrubs on Capitol grounds
List of Expenses
Architectural Expenses
$452,074.68
Capitol Commission Expenses
40,421.88
Inspection Expenses
120,585.32
Miscellaneous Expense Items
539,787.00
Furnishings and Decorations
537,579.36
First Construction
2,562,917.62
Wrecking Old Building
49,642.81
Second Construction
3,015,460.20
Third Construction
1,487,309.74
Fourth Construction
887,756.79
Landscaping
131,093.46
Are You Interested in Seeing the Building in Person?
We're open 7 days a week, so plan a visit here. Then, explore some photos and perhaps read more about the Memorial Chamber.Historic Rooms
The architect who designed the Nebraska State Capitol was Bertram Goodhue. The thematic program of the Capitol was developed by Dr. Hartley Burr Alexander. Sculptor for the Capitol was Lee Lawrie, and Hildreth Meiere designed all the floor and ceiling mosaics. The building was constructed over a ten year period in four building phases. Construction began in 1922 and was completed in 1932. Total cost of the building was just under $10 million.
Capitol quick facts
- Construction started in 1922, completed in 1932.
- The architect was Bertram G. Goodhue.
- There are 15 floors above ground.
- The building is 400 feet tall.
- It is the third Nebraska State Capitol.
- It cost $9.8 million in 1932 dollars.
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- Saturday ⁄ Holidays: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday: 1 to 5 p.m.
- Tours Available on the Hour
(Except at Noon) - Open every day except Thanksgiving Day, the Friday after, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.