What is Special About the Capitol Building in Austin Texas?
A Monument to Texas Pride
The Texas State Capitol, in Austin, speaks to the greatness of the state-even the architecture follows the motto "everything's bigger in Texas." As one recent Sparkly Maid Austin customer in Austin recently said, this architectural wonder attracts visitors from across the world, and for good reason: intimidating presence, and rich history of this building turn it into not just a seat of government but a symbol of the independent spirit and ambitious character of Texas.
Architectural Magnificence
This Italian Renaissance Revival masterpiece soars 302 feet into the Austin skyline, proudly 14 feet above the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The most striking feature about this building is its beautiful outside, made from "Sunset Red" Texas granite, lending it a distinctive pink hue reminiscent of Texas sunsets. You can see the dome from miles away, and it serves almost like a landmark in the Austin skyline.
Notable Features That Set It Apart
The building has over 400 rooms and more than 900 windows, each telling something of the craftsmanship let loose in Texas.
Its foundation is of limestone blocks, each as heavy as 12,000 pounds.
On the second floor rotunda, one will see the portraits of all individuals who have served as president of the Republic of Texas or governor of the state
The terrazzo floor of the rotunda incorporates and displays the seals of all six nations that have flagged governments over Texas
In 1986 the original statue of the Goddess of Liberty atop replaced with a replica made from aluminum
A Legacy of Building
Completed in 1888, the tale of the construction of Capitol is as interesting as the very building itself. The interesting thing about the project involved an unusual financial arrangement-one in which the builders, given three million acres of Panhandle land, went on later to establish the XIT Ranch. Our move out cleaning team often shares this interesting tidbit with clients while operating in the vicinity of the Capitol district.
Hidden Treasures and Unique Features
From the architectural secrets that make this place unique, to the engraved state seal on the hinges of the building's doors, to giant chandeliers shaped as "TEXAS" in Senate and House chambers, everything stands as testament to that. Whenever one is moving out and needing cleaning services around the Capitol, we at Sparkly Maid Austin make sure those touch-and-go moves can still retain much of the class a building such as that historic capitol is able to convey.
Modern Adaptations
In 1993, a $75 million underground extension greatly expanded the Capitol. This is an 8 skylight court addition of over 650,000 square feet, ingeniously fitted into the new structure. This met space problems allowing the historic building to preserve its integrity and also its views.
Grounds For Sculpture: A Museum Without Walls
The Capitol complex extends beyond the main building to encompass 22 acres of beautifully maintained grounds. Among others, the grounds include:
19 monuments recounting Texas history
Historic trees, including descendants of the famous Treaty Oak
Beautiful landscaping that changes with Texas seasons
Walking paths perfect for exploring the grounds
Public picnic areas
Visitor Experience
Free 30-minute guided tours run throughout the week and give a history and architecture of the building. The tours take visitors through the details in the building, starting with the huge brass door hinges to chandeliers in the Chamber of Representatives spelling out T-E-X-A-S. More than a million people come to visit the Capitol every year, making it one of Texas's most-visited tourist attractions.
A Symbol of Texas Heritage
But the Texas State Capitol serves not only as a capitol building but also as a symbol of Texas pride and independence. It was officially recognized for its architectural and historic importance and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986. Whether one is a history buff, interested in architecture, or just looking for an awesome place to see in Austin, the State Capitol seems to never disappoint the visitor.
For those who are planning to ensure this area, Sparky Maid Austin can help your surroundings seem as spotless on the outside as this century's historic landmark. Your homes, that is left to us.
