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2016’s legislative session is over, and while it’s still a long way away, things are expected to look different for 2017. Matt Galka tells us about the major face lift the state Senate is getting.

A different kind of work started in the Senate chambers this week.  Lawmakers finished legislative session on the 11^th.  Now the Senate chamber is getting an overhaul.

“Given the early finish to our legislative session, we wanted to remodel the chamber, upgrade some of the fixtures, the electrical, the Ac unit, the carpet, and make sure we’re up to the current building codes,” said Senate spokeswoman Katie Betta.

It’s the first major renovation since the chamber opened in the late 70’s. The nearly six million dollar project was actually supposed to happen more than a decade ago.

“Back in 2003 under president Jim King, there was an initial plan to upgrade the chamber at that time as well as the Senate office building, but ultimately those plans were put on hold,” said Betta.

If a special session is needed, lawmakers will take a step back in time and hold meetings in the old Capitol.

“We’d go to the Old Capitol, and I talked to members and they think it would be pretty cool. And it would be great for you guys because you’d get to be with us on the floor,” said Senate President Andy Gardiner to reporters during the last week of session.

The money for the revamp has been set aside from past budgets.  While it might not look like it now…the final product is expected to resemble this artists rendering.  A far cry from the retro look currently being demolished.