<P> The Lansing capitol building inspired a national trend after the American Civil War for fireproof buildings, large enough to house expanding government as well as serving as a durable repository for artifacts of the war, including battle flags that were moved to the Michigan Historical Museum in 1990 . Over the years the dome, which at first matched the light tan of the building, was repainted a bright white . The legislature funded an extensive historical restoration starting in 1989 which was completed in 1992 . The restoration returned the dome to a creamy - white shade, upgraded mechanical systems, and improved accessibility as well as restoring many of the original design elements . One of the restoration's largest phases entailed removal of "half - floors" that were installed in 1969 to create 50,000 square feet (4,600 m) of additional office space . The floors were created by dividing the 16 - foot (4.9 m) - high rooms horizontally and creating a level of rooms which was accessed from the stairway landing . The Capitol Building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places January 25, 1971 (NRHP Reference #71000396), and was designated as a National Historic Landmark October 5, 1992 . </P> <P> The Michigan State Capitol is 267 ft (81 m) from the ground to the tip of finial / spire above the dome . The building is 420 ft 2 in (128.07 m) long and 273 ft 11 in (83.49 m) wide (including approaches). The capitol occupies 1.16 acres (4,700 m), has a perimeter of 1,520 ft (460 m). The structure contains four stories, with public entrances on the ground floor . Two grand staircases in the north and south corridors go up to the top floor . The rotunda measures 44.5 feet (13.6 m) in diameter and 160 feet (49 m) in height measured from the floor to the oculus . </P> <P> When it opened, the Capitol structure was large enough to host all the state agencies and departments . Due to the growth of state government, however, only the offices of Senate and House leadership, and ceremonial offices for the governor and lieutenant governor remain in the capitol . The ground floor corridors led to "store rooms" designed by the architect in the original building plans . This includes an armory in the southwest corner of the south corridor . The original wood floor has been replaced by gray tiles . The rooms were originally lit with gas fixtures, though by 1900, the building had been refitted with electric lights . Today, the ground floor is home to several offices, including the Secretary of the Senate, the Clerk of the House, and the Capitol Tours and Information Service . </P> <P> Starting with the first floor and continuing to the third, black and white floor tiling is made of Vermont marble and limestone . The exception is the floor of the rotunda which is composed of 976 blocks of translucent glass . The blocks vary in size so that when viewed from the upper floors, they appear to form a bowl which mirrors the dome above . The doorknobs are mostly made of a brass and bronze alloy (most of the original brass doorknobs have disappeared over time). The present doorknobs and hinges, locked for protection, display the state coat of arms . Though the building appears to have walnut woodwork, the wood is Michigan white pine that has been wood - grained to give the appearance of walnut . </P>

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