And now we have a soulless glass building rising next to Sacramento\u2019s signature structure, something seemingly designed more for a high-tech chief executive than for the governor of a state born during the Gold Rush.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeauty is in the eye of the beholder,\u201d Mogavero said. \u201cThere have been many successful contrasts.\u201d<\/p>\n
The original Capitol annex, built in 1952, was somewhat complementary, at least in its white exterior color. But it wasn\u2019t built to stand the test of time, outliving its useful lifespan after about 50 years. The Legislature had to act.<\/p>\n
For a building constructed under such secrecy, it\u2019s ironic that in real life, it is so transparent<\/a>.<\/p>\n At its center is a skylight. The facades are glass, reflecting the mood of the Sacramento day. The cafe is replete with glass as well.<\/p>\n Delayed by the pandemic, demolition of the old annex began in 2023. Once the rubble was cleared, construction commenced. Blocked off by fences, the project remained largely out of public view. Now construction has reached its fourth story, and glass facades are being put into place.<\/p>\n Preservationists warned against the contrast in architectural styles. \u201cThe new Annex disrespects and overshadows the iconic dome with its large size and reflective glass fa\u00e7ade,\u201d wrote Milford Wayne Donaldson<\/a>, a noted preservation architect. \u201cIt denigrates the most important historic governmental landmark in California. The new Annex is substantially oversize for the existing historic Capitol and results in the diminution and loss of the historic character of the Capitol.\u201d<\/p>\n Yet lawmakers wanted their office space and, above all, a dozen elevators to ease movement throughout the Capitol. Preservationists\u2019 warnings were largely ignored. The Capitol was destined to become a study in old versus new.<\/p>\n The Legislature\u2019s Joint Rules Committee \u201cconsidered several alternate design footprints,\u201d said former Assemblyman Ken Cooley of Rancho Cordova, who chaired the committee at the time. \u201cAll procurement activity was very public, including all notices.\u201d<\/p>\n Renderings at the time were plentiful. What is now under construction is no surprise. It simply looks different in real life than it did on paper.<\/p>\n To the eye, all this glass cuts two ways. When a bed of clouds is gliding over Sacramento, I no longer see the building. I see a reflected sky. When the sky is a brilliant blue, so is the reflection off the annex. This building is at its best when the heavens make it basically invisible.<\/p>\n \u201cI personally like the windows and how visitors will be able to see the beautiful Capitol grounds,\u201d said state Sen. Angelique Ashby, D-Sacramento.<\/p>\n Yet in gray moments and particularly at night, the annex can feel like a massive intrusion of steel and glass. It can overwhelm the Capitol itself. It should be the sibling that honors the parent. At times, it does not.<\/p>\n Perhaps the annex is destined to become downtown\u2019s mood ring.<\/p>\n Momentous downtown decisions like this do not come along often. The last of similar magnitude came in 2001, when the state announced plans to repaint the historic Tower Bridge<\/a> and allowed the public to vote on its color. Metallic gold was chosen over green or burgundy, with gold and silver as complements.<\/p>\n My reaction to the gold span is equally mixed. Under cloudy skies, the Tower Bridge can resemble a leftover enchilada. In bright sun or at night, it stands over the Sacramento River in regal glory. Its beauty changes by the moment.<\/p>\n For now, Sacramento can only watch and wait to fully judge the new Capitol Annex. Whatever its final cost, it is not scheduled to open until the fall of 2027.<\/a> And we will live with it, like it or not. It is destined to be a centerpiece of the future Sacramento.<\/p>\n \u201cOnward and upward,\u201d Cooley said.<\/p>\n This story was originally published May 21, 2026 at 5:00 AM.<\/p>\n Related Stories from Sacramento Bee<\/p>\n
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