State Office Building in MN slated for repairs

A Minnesota House committee has approved a nearly $500 million plan to renovate the State Office Building.

House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler (DFL-Golden Valley) said the redesign, which would add about 166,000 square feet to the existing 290,000-square-foot structure would maintain the “status quo” for member offices but would make the new building safer and more secure.

Several Republicans acknowledged the building needs work but raised objections to the project cost —and what they believe is the rushed nature of the approval process.

House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt told members of the House Rules and Legislative Administration Committee that the cost is somewhat shocking.  “Paying for furniture and all the other stuff my guess is this project will run twice…two times…double…what we paid for the state capitol.”

Work is expected to begin next summer.