Alterations Of Jefferson's Virginia Capitol Stir Debate

A plan by the state of Virginia to renovate the State Capitol building, designed by Thomas Jefferson, is causing disagreement over the design.

1 minute read

February 22, 2004, 5:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen


Jefferson fashioned the Capitol in the image of the Maison Carée, an ancient Roman temple in Nimes, France. Jefferson said his building would serve as a "temple on the hill." "It is an important symbol of who we are as Virginians, as Americans," observes, Kathleen Kilpatrick, director of the state's Department of Historic Resources. "It's intended to be interpreted as a temple of democracy — a great symbol of our shared beliefs."

Thanks to Garland Pollard

Thursday, February 19, 2004 in Style Weekly

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Yellow electric school bus with preteen students exiting.

California Invests Additional $5M in Electric School Buses

The state wants to electrify all of its school bus fleets by 2035.

4 hours ago - Associated Press

City Hall building in Austin, Texas.

Austin Launches $2M Homelessness Prevention Fund

A new grant program from the city’s Homeless Strategy Office will fund rental assistance and supportive services.

5 hours ago - Spectrum Local News

Brick school building with mid-sized tree on front lawn.

Alabama School Forestry Initiative Brings Trees to Schoolyards

Trees can improve physical and mental health for students and commnity members.

6 hours ago - Governing