---
title: HR 1445. Georgia Building Authority team; continued historical preservation of the Georgia State Capitol; urge
collection: bills
id: 2025-2026/hr1445
cite_as: HR 1445, 2025-2026 Regular Session (Ga.)
canonical_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hr1445
md_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hr1445.md
text_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hr1445/text
source_url: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/73525
date: 2026-03-31
status: passed
corpus_version: bills-2026-09-13
license: Public record of the Georgia General Assembly, via LegiScan; see about.md
publisher: Georgia Commons, an independent project of Georgia Civic Data. Not the State of Georgia. Not legal advice.
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omitted: votes and history
omitted_chars: 422
omitted_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hr1445.md?full=1
bill_number: HR 1445
session: 2025-2026 Regular Session
session_slug: 2025-2026
chamber: House
bill_type: resolution
status_date: 2026-03-31
last_action: House Passed/Adopted
sponsors:
  - Brent Cox
  - Jon Burns
  - James Hatchett
  - Steve Tarvin
  - Gerald Greene
  - Rick Jasperse
text_version: Introduced
has_text: true
legiscan_url: https://legiscan.com/GA/bill/HR1445/2025
upstream_id: 2123592
summaries_model: claude-sonnet-5
topic_tags:
  - Georgia State Capitol
  - historic preservation
  - Georgia Building Authority
  - state government buildings
---

# HR 1445. Georgia Building Authority team; continued historical preservation of the Georgia State Capitol; urge

## Text

House Resolution 1445
By: Representatives Cox of the 28th, Burns of the 159th, Hatchett of the 155th, Tarvin of the
2nd, Greene of the 154th, and others
A RESOLUTION
Urging the continued historical preservation of the Georgia state capitol; commending the
Georgia Building Authority team for excellence with the restoration and the discovery of
Andrew Carnegie Steel–one of the two oldest operating capitols in the United States with
Carnegie Steel; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, the Georgia State Capitol stands as a magnificent testament to our state's rich
history and democratic traditions, having served continuously as the seat of Georgia's
government since its completion in 1889; and
WHEREAS, this historic structure was constructed between 1884 and 1889, representing one
of the finest examples of neoclassical architecture in the southeastern United States and
serving as a symbol of Georgia's enduring commitment to democratic governance; and
WHEREAS, during the recent comprehensive renovation of our beloved Capitol, remarkable
discoveries were made that revealed the building's extraordinary historical significance,
including the presence of original Andrew Carnegie structural steel throughout the building's
framework; and
WHEREAS, this discovery establishes the Georgia State Capitol as one of the two oldest
capitol buildings still in continuous operation in the United States of America to feature
Carnegie steel construction, adding immeasurable historical value to this treasured landmark;
and
WHEREAS, the Georgia Building Authority, under exceptional leadership, undertook the
monumental task of restoring our State Capitol to its original architectural glory while
preserving its historical integrity for future generations; and
WHEREAS, Marty Smith and Gerald Pilgrim of the Georgia Building Authority
demonstrated outstanding leadership, vision, and dedication throughout this complex
restoration project, ensuring that every detail honored both the building's historical
significance and the needs of modern governance; and
WHEREAS, David Goodhead provided exceptional expertise and craftsmanship in the
renovation process; his meticulous attention to detail and deep respect for historical
preservation brought our Capitol back to its magnificent original condition; and
WHEREAS, the dedication and expertise of the construction team comprised of Sachin Dev
Shailendra of SG Contracting, Michael Macon of Balfour-Beatty, M. Sean Moxley of
Garbutt Construction, and the design team including Lamar Wakefield and Henry Cantwell
of Nelson were essential to the successful restoration of one of Georgia's most important
historic landmarks; and
WHEREAS, the entire Georgia Building Authority team worked tirelessly to balance
historical preservation with modern functionality, creating a restored Capitol that serves as
both a working seat of government and a treasured historical landmark; and
WHEREAS, their collective efforts have ensured that the Georgia State Capitol will continue
to inspire citizens and visitors alike for generations to come, standing as a proud symbol of
Georgia's heritage and democratic values.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
the members of this body urge the continued historical preservation of the Georgia State
Capitol and commend the Georgia Building Authority team for excellence with the
restoration and the discovery of Andrew Carnegie Steel–one of the two oldest operating
capitols in the United States with Carnegie Steel.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the House of Representatives extends its deepest
gratitude to all members of the Georgia Building Authority team who contributed to this
historic restoration project, recognizing their commitment to preserving Georgia's
architectural heritage.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to Gerald
Pilgrim, David Goodhead, and the Georgia Building Authority.

## Summaries written by Georgia Commons

The following was written by claude-sonnet-5 from the text above and is not part of the resolution. Quote the text, not the summary.

A Georgia House resolution commends the Georgia Building Authority and its restoration team for renovating the State Capitol and discovering original Andrew Carnegie steel in its structure, and urges continued preservation of the building.

### Plain-language summary

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives, not a change to any law. It recognizes the recent renovation of the Georgia State Capitol, completed in 1889, and highlights the discovery of original Andrew Carnegie structural steel found throughout the building during that work. The resolution states this makes the Capitol one of only two capitol buildings in continuous use in the United States known to contain Carnegie steel.
The resolution formally urges continued historical preservation of the Capitol and thanks named individuals and firms involved in the restoration, including Georgia Building Authority leaders and members of the construction and design teams. It directs the Clerk of the House to send copies of the resolution to several of the people named, as a formal record of appreciation.

### What it does

- Urges the continued historical preservation of the Georgia State Capitol building.
- Commends the Georgia Building Authority team for the Capitol restoration and for discovering original Andrew Carnegie structural steel in the building.
- Formally thanks named individuals and companies involved in the renovation, including Georgia Building Authority leaders, contractors, and designers.
- Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to send copies of the resolution to specific named individuals and the Georgia Building Authority.

### Who it affects

The resolution directly names the Georgia Building Authority and individuals involved in the Capitol restoration, including Marty Smith, Gerald Pilgrim, David Goodhead, and staff from SG Contracting, Balfour-Beatty, Garbutt Construction, and Nelson. It has no legal effect on the public.

### Why it matters

The resolution carries no legal or funding effect; it does not create requirements, spend money, or change Georgia law. Its practical significance is symbolic, recording the House's formal recognition of the Capitol restoration and the individuals who carried it out.

### Key provisions

- The whereas clauses describe the Capitol's 1884-1889 construction and the discovery of Carnegie steel found during the recent renovation.
- The first resolving clause urges continued preservation of the Capitol and commends the Georgia Building Authority team for the restoration and the Carnegie steel discovery.
- The second resolving clause extends the House's gratitude to all Georgia Building Authority team members who contributed to the project.
- The final resolving clause directs the Clerk of the House to distribute copies of the resolution to Gerald Pilgrim, David Goodhead, and the Georgia Building Authority.

## Status

- Status: Passed (2026-03-31)
- Last action: House Passed/Adopted (2026-03-31)
- Sponsors: Brent Cox, Jon Burns, James Hatchett, Steve Tarvin, Gerald Greene, Rick Jasperse
- Official page: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/73525

> The history, votes, and amendments (422 characters) are at https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hr1445.md?full=1