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The following solutions for the foundation problems were developed:
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- 10' deep pits were dug under the exterior walls in six foot intervals, and the existing foundation rock was removed.
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- Reinforcing steel was placed in each of the pits, and concrete poured to create concrete piers.
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- Once the concrete piers cured, workers removed the rock foundation between each pit to allow a 24" deep concrete grade beam to be poured.
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Lastly, noticeable sagging of the wooden floors had occurred on the second level, which houses the legislative chambers. This is typical in older buildings; the wooden floor joists that support the flooring will slowly crush soft brick wall pockets where they rest and create the sagging.
So that future generations will be able to enjoy the Old State House, these effects of age and use were corrected by:
- Removal of a 3' strip of plaster ceiling along all exterior walls on the first floor, exposing the floor joists and masonry bearing pockets
- Repair and reinforcement of damaged joist ends (with steel plates)
- Repair of beam pockets, addition of 2' band of masonry tuck pointed all around the building where joist pockets exist, and replacement and repainting of the ceiling
The Natural and Cultural Resources Council awarded the Old State House $2 million dollars [funds from the Real Estate Transfer Tax]. In 1996, the governor's office allocated $1 million from the emergency fund and another $400,000 from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance funds. [During this renovation, a new ADA-compliant elevator was added, as well as accessible bathrooms.] The remaining funds were provided from other grant sources, including the Department of Arkansas Heritage.
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