Recently, Reader Tyler W. reached out to us to see if we had the story on the ongoing construction on Broad Street between 9th + 11th.

Old City Hall and the VA General Assembly Building have been under construction since 2017 as part of the Capitol Square Construction project, which also includes renovation of Morson’s Row on Governor’s St.

The $300 million project is set to be completed in 2022.

A rendering of the renovated General Assembly Building. | Photo courtesy VA DGS

Old City Hall was constructed in the late 19th century in the gothic revival style, landing it on the National Register of Historic Places. City Hall moved to a new building in the 1970s.

The current restoration will be the first since the commonwealth purchased the building in 1983. The project includes returning the building interior to its historic color scheme + structural support alterations.

The General Assembly Building will preserve the facade of the 1912 Life Insurance Co. building, but will grow to 414,000 square-feet. At 14 stories above ground, it will actually be 2 stories shorter than the old GAB. In addition, 2 tunnels will lead to the Capitol extension and to a new parking deck.

An overhead map of the tunnel between the GAB and Capitol building. | Photo courtesy VA DGS

Back in February, Governor Ralph Northam released a behind-the-scenes video of the renovation projects. There is also a page for updates on the project.

Make your voice heard — the VA Department of General Services is holding a public hearing tomorrow from 10 a.m. until noon at the DGS office at 2400 W. Leigh St.

DGS wants to gather comments on the updated regulations for Capitol Square, which would replace the ones from 1970 that are currently in effect. If you’re interested in speaking, register at the event — or submit a written comment before Oct. 15.

For up-to-date information on future street + sidewalk closures related to construction, sign up for DGS alerts.