Gilbane, a construction and real estate development firm with offices across the country, was chosen through a competitive bid process, officials said. Because of security concerns and to maintain the Capital grounds during construction, the visitor center will be built from the top down, with the project including special foundations, water retention construction, protection of existing landscaping, road construction, traffic-pattern management and stone paving. The Capital Building will also be spruced up as a result of the project, including repairs that will bring it up to building code, and it will get much-needed additional elevators and stairways.

The visitor center will feature three underground levels beneath the Capital parking area and a landscaped plaza designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. It will include two orientation theaters, historical displays, a museum, administrative offices, cafeteria, gift shop and various amenities to accommodate the 3 million tourists who visit the Capital each year.

The project team includes architect RTKL. They will be working closely with Gilbane, and the Architect of the Capitol.