Architect Board Defends Capitol Renovations

Members of a board overseeing renovations to the state Capitol are defending decisions to include ornate features that have raised eyebrows.

The four-person board says the inclusion of copper-plated doors and chandeliers was "a mere fraction of the work being done.''

They say the $50 million renovation was mostly about safety and followed all budget and procedural requirements.

Three sets of copper doors each cost $223,000 and the chandeliers cost $80,000. 

Gov. Pat Quinn has halted funding for future renovations until a review of the expenditures is done.

The board said the overall renovations make the Capitol safer and more accessible. They say the building "will stand the test of time while appropriately reflecting the greatness of the state.''

The board is meeting Friday morning in Springfield.