The Russell Senate Office Building is the oldest of the three Senate Buildings and a wonderful example of the Beaux Arts style of architecture. However, over time, weathering and age have diminished many of the fine details of the facility's exterior stone, allowed water to penetrate into the building, impaired the building's energy efficiency and caused operational and safety concerns.

The Architect of the Capitol, in conjunction with the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, has developed a five-phase restoration project to preserve the exterior envelope of the century-old building, including its exterior stone, wood windows and glazed doors. The project also includes the rehabilitation of the balcony flooring, balusters, balustrades and roof chimney.

The first phase of the project, which began in October 2016, focuses on the north side, with initial work in the courtyard and then on the C Street side of the building. The courtyard will remain partially open during construction; however, some sections of the courtyard will be cordoned off for material delivery, staging and scaffolding. Work on the C Street side of the building is expected to begin in spring 2017.

Subsequent project phases will address the east (phase II), west (phase III), and south and southwest (phases IV and V) facades. Each of the five phases will take approximately one year to complete.

This project is integral to the agency's commitment to preserving the stonework on historic buildings across the Capitol campus.