Wyoming State Capitol Wins Top Industry Honor for Historic, Collaborative Restoration

BOSTON — The Wyoming State Capitol Square Project has been recognized with the 2025 Recognition of Special Achievement Award by the National Academy of Construction (NAC), honoring what industry leaders call a model of historic preservation, innovation, and community impact.

MOCA Systems, Inc. (MSI) announced the award this week, celebrating the team’s effort to breathe new life into an irreplaceable civic symbol while tackling decades of structural decay and deferred maintenance.

“This project not only preserved an irreplaceable symbol of democracy and equality, but also reimagined it as a vibrant, accessible space for civic engagement serving the citizens of the entire state of Wyoming,” said Edd Gibson, NAC President and CEO. “The National Academy of Construction is proud to recognize this remarkable achievement.”

A Landmark in Decline Finds New Life

Constructed in 1888, the Wyoming State Capitol had suffered decades of neglect that threatened its safety and historic integrity. Crumbling infrastructure, outdated systems, and limited public spaces risked turning “The People’s House” into a relic instead of the living seat of state government.

A restoration plan was launched — but by the time crews got to work, the project was plagued with stalled schedules, spiraling budgets, and public frustration. With a projected overrun topping $50 million, Wyoming’s leaders knew they needed a new approach.

Enter MOCA Systems, Inc., which teamed up with JE Dunn Construction and HDR, Inc. to reset the project with a rigorous, data-driven plan focused on clear communication and tight collaboration.

“The success of the Wyoming State Capitol project was defined by a spirit of true collaboration,” said Sandy Hamby, CEO of MSI. “From day one, our team worked side by side with the State of Wyoming, JE Dunn Construction, HDR, Inc., and countless stakeholders to realign priorities and reimagine what was possible.”

Using MOCA’s Continuous Alignment™ delivery system, the project team regrouped, re-scoped, and restructured the entire effort. The result? The Capitol was restored on time and $1 million under budget, an outcome few thought possible when the rescue effort began.

Safety, Accessibility, and Modern Civic Space

Historic preservation was only part of the goal. Making the Capitol safe, modern, and accessible for every Wyomingite drove design choices throughout. Critical systems upgrades were carried out during nights and weekends to minimize disruption, and the team’s close coordination with OSHA and local trade partners earned the project an ENR Award of Merit for its safety record.

The building’s life-safety systems were brought into the modern era with a new fire system, multiple emergency exits, and a long-overdue boost to amenities for staff and visitors — including five new women’s restrooms, addressing a critical shortfall in a historic structure designed long before current accessibility standards.

“By combining innovative planning processes with an open, collaborative approach, we were able to close knowledge gaps, build trust, and chart a clear path forward together,” Hamby said.

Restoring the Birthplace of Women’s Suffrage

Known as the birthplace of women’s suffrage in the U.S., the Wyoming State Capitol holds deep symbolic importance. During the restoration, crews discovered that the Supreme Court Chamber — where the first Women’s Suffrage Act was passed — had lost much of its original detail through piecemeal renovations over decades.

Careful restoration returned its hand-painted details, original woodwork, and architectural beauty, ensuring that its historic role in advancing equality is preserved for future generations.

Beyond architectural restoration, the project created new large hearing rooms that can accommodate hundreds of people, making the legislative process more open and inclusive than ever before.

An Award That Celebrates Collaboration and Impact

The NAC Recognition of Special Achievement Award specifically honors the Wyoming Capitol for setting an industry standard in stakeholder engagement, innovative delivery, and meaningful impact for the public.

“This project not only preserved an irreplaceable symbol of democracy and equality, but also reimagined it as a vibrant, accessible space for civic engagement serving the citizens of the entire state of Wyoming,” said NAC’s Gibson.

The award will be presented at the NAC’s 2025 Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony later this year.

About MOCA Systems, Inc

‍MOCA is a leading provider of project management services and software for complex construction programs worldwide. Learn more at mocasystems.com.

About the National Academy of Construction

‍Founded in 1999, the NAC unites industry leaders to advance best practices, shape policy, and guide significant national initiatives in the construction sector.

Originally reported by Business Wire.