JEFFERSON CITY - A $40 million renovation project is underway at the Capitol. It includes a number of phases to be completed over multiple years in different portions of the building, according to Office of Administration Director of Communications Ryan Burns.

Scaffolding on the front of Missouri's Capitol building.

The project was appropriated during the 2015 legislative session to address the deterioration of the building.

"Significant repairs are needed to address deteriorating stonework on the exterior of the Capitol," Burns wrote in an e-mail. "Water infiltration from damaged exterior building elements has caused cracks and rusting to occur, compromising the structural integrity of the building."

The repairs will be a success if they can properly seal and waterproof the outside of the building to ensure its stability. In combination with other projects like heating, ventilation and air conditioning modifications and elevator repairs, the renovation is expected to extend the life of the Capitol building.

Scaffolding on the front of Missouri's Capitol building.

"Most of the work will not be visible to the naked eye upon completion as it is structural in nature," Burns said. "However, those who value the significance of our historical state capitol should be excited to know that this work will preserve the building so it can be enjoyed by generations to come."

According to Missouri State Capital Commission Chair Dana Miller, maintenance on all state properties had been deferred for many years due to lack of revenue.

"Particularly in the last few years we made it our mission to highlight the need to move forward with the appropriation, or in this case support the bonding bill," said Miller.

Now that the project has been appropriated, work has already started and will continue for the next couple of years. The project is expected to alter every level and side of the building.

Due to the renovation, the main entrance to the Capitol will be closed for an indefinate period of time. Those wishing to enter the building can do so through the side entrances.