The nearly $500 million effort to improve the Capitol Complex, including a major renovation of the long-vacant Illinois State Armory, continues to take shape in downtown Springfield.

State officials presented updates about the project at a Citizens Club of Springfield gathering May 24, sharing details on completed segments, current construction efforts and secrets found.

The 250,000-square-foot Armory building is being transformed from a civic center into an executive office building, with plans to move support staff from the governor's office and other state agencies into it upon completion.

The first phase was completed in January for $26.25 million and focused on removing lead paint, asbestos and mold; repairing masonry; and stabilizing the roof. The initial phase also included remov

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