mrt has been involved in projects at the Arizona State Capitol complex since 1996, focusing on historic preservation, functional upgrades, and sustainable design solutions.

• 1901 Capitol Building (Arizona Capitol Museum) Renovation (1998-2004)
  mrt led a comprehensive renovation to optimize the building for museum use while maintaining its historic integrity. Upgrades included modernizing building systems to meet current life safety and accessibility codes, improving environmental systems for museum requirements, extensive roofing repairs, restoration of interior finishes, and restroom renovations. A thorough evaluation was conducted before construction to assess facility needs, prioritize improvements, establish design-build parameters, and explore adaptive reuse strategies. Sustainable practices included energy-efficient lighting, improved HVAC systems to enhance climate control for exhibits, and the use of low-VOC finishes to maintain indoor air quality.

• Main Elevator Renovation (2017)
  mrt completed the renovation of the main elevator in the 1901 building, ensuring compliance with modern safety and accessibility standards while integrating materials that complemented the building’s historic finishes.

• State Capitol Master Plan (2009-2012)
  In collaboration with Ryden Architects, mrt contributed to a privately funded master plan for the State Capitol. This involved a comprehensive assessment of the Historic Capitol, House, and Senate buildings, evaluating their structural integrity, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical (MP&E) systems, and life safety measures. The study explored the feasibility of relocating select legislative functions back into the Historic Capitol, incorporating sustainable design recommendations to reduce energy consumption and improve building performance.

• Recent Renovation (Basement, 1st & 2nd Floors – 45,000 SF)
  The latest project involved extensive renovations across three floors of the Historic Capitol. The scope included restoring portions of the exterior façade, revitalizing the historic Arizona Supreme Court room, and upgrading office spaces with new flooring, ceilings, lighting, and mechanical systems. Sustainable approaches included high-efficiency HVAC systems, LED lighting, and materials selected for durability and low environmental impact.

  To honor the building’s historic character, careful attention was given to the selection of colors and materials. mrt took a swatch of colors directly from the mosaic tile Arizona State Seal on the museum floor to create a cohesive interior palette. Materials were chosen to reflect and enhance the building’s original design while ensuring modern functionality. Finishes included historically accurate wood tones, brass accents, and neutral hues that complement the Capitol’s existing aesthetic.