CHEYENNE, Wyo. — A massive effort to restore and modernize the historic Wyoming State Capitol is now earning national praise. The National Academy of Construction has awarded the ambitious project its Recognition of Special Achievement Award, highlighting the team’s commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability throughout a complex restoration.

The Capitol, originally built in 1888, had suffered for decades under the weight of deferred maintenance, outdated infrastructure, and limited access for the public. As a result, by the time work began, the building was not fully meeting its mission as an open house of democracy for Wyoming residents.

"The Wyoming State Capitol, originally constructed in 1888, suffered decades of deferred maintenance, aging infrastructure and limited public access, creating an urgent need for restoration," explained MOCA Systems in a statement about the project’s background.

However, the path to restoring the historic building was far from smooth. The project initially stalled and ran into a projected $50 million cost overrun, putting its future at risk. But a pivotal shift in management and planning — spearheaded by MOCA Systems Inc., alongside lead contractor JE Dunn Construction and design partner HDR Inc. — turned the project around.

"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," said MOCA Systems CEO Sandy Hamby. "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."

That teamwork and what MOCA calls its Continuous Alignment project delivery system paid off. Not only did the team overcome construction delays and budget overruns, they actually finished the project $1 million under budget — a rare feat for a complex government restoration.

"This honor highlights the project’s innovation, collaboration, and cultural impact," added MOCA Systems Marketing Communications Manager Julie Blackley.

A Building Opened Back Up to Wyoming

The renovated Capitol reopened with an entirely new vision for public access.

"For over a century, cramped committee rooms limited public participation," MOCA Systems noted. "Today, new hearing rooms accommodate up to 300 attendees, enabling more residents to participate in the legislative process and making the Capitol more accessible to all."

Upgrades also prioritized modern safety measures and comfort — additions included a state-of-the-art fire system, three emergency exits, and five new women’s restrooms, improving safety and usability for both the public and staff.

The Capitol restoration is now being recognized not just as a construction achievement, but as a symbol of the role public buildings play in democracy.

The project’s success and its lessons in collaboration, transparency, and modernized construction delivery will be honored at the National Academy of Construction’s 2025 annual meeting and awards ceremony — putting Wyoming’s landmark renovation in the national spotlight.

Originally reported by Garrett Grochowski in Cap City News.