The Nevada Legislature Building is currently undergoing renovations and expansion, with the total cost estimated to be around $22 million.

The aim is to complete most of the project by the start of the 2025 Nevada Regular Legislative Session, which begins on February 3rd.

"It's an amazing place to be at, and I want the public to know that they're coming into a place that they're proud of," said Legislative Counsel Bureau Chief of Operations Jon Vietti.

Lawmakers allocated the capital improvements project during a special session last year. This enhancement involves constructing a 6,600-square-foot expansion around a security portal area referred to as the "blast box." Additionally, it includes renovating and modernizing 18,000-20,000 square feet inside the current building.

The third floor of the expansion will hold a conference room, which will increase the current capacity from around 80 to more than 200 seats.

"By adding this addition, it's going to be a huge asset for us and other state entities to utilize and book this room," explained Vietti.

A much-needed Deli and dining area is being built on the second floor. On the first floor, an expanded lobby with reception desks and large-screen monitors will help the public find their meeting room.

With the expansion protruding into the front paved area, they needed to cut down some trees and allow for more foot room. The front foot walking area will be bigger than before to allow podium speeches in front of the newly remodeled building.

Additionally, bathroom updates will be made to make them ADA-compliant. Finally, the majority and minority leaders' offices will undergo asbestos abatement and modernization.

Vietti says that the building's architectural style blends classical architecture with that of other government buildings in northern Nevada, such as the Art Deco Attorney General's Office and the Neoclassical Italianate Style of the Old Capitol Building. The expanded building will feature striking square Roman columns and three floors of massive, tinted windows.

The new exterior granite finish will be a significant upgrade in terms of aesthetics and functionality. The granite paneling has aluminum backing for efficient insulation and boasts a 100-year lifespan.

"It's actually quarried from the Sierra Mountains in Raymond, California. I am very excited that what will be on our building is coming out of our local mountains right here," said Vietti.

In the meantime, if you need to enter the Nevada Legislature building, you can do so from the back eastside entrance, which is connected to the parking garage and is also the entrance used by most visitors.

However, you will encounter new scanning technology that can detect dangerous objects more efficiently.

"I've asked everybody, let's try to condense this into the 18-month timeframe between sessions, and everybody is working really hard to accomplish that goal," said Vietti.

Plenium Builders of Sparks and Kalb Industries of Las Vegas are the project's general contractors. Paul Cavin and Ethos Three are the architects.

"We had to divide and conquer to get this done before the session. And the quarry is doing their best to try and query the stuff, get everything polished, and get it onto the building, but that all takes time," said Vietti.