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Wyoming Capitol Makeover Earns National Honors for Innovation and Impact

Wyoming Capitol Makeover Earns National Honors for Innovation and Impact
Dan Schwalm Photography

A bold rescue mission for one of Wyoming’s most iconic buildings just earned national applause, Business Wire reports.

The Wyoming Capitol Square Project, a massive restoration of the state’s historic Capitol building, has been awarded the 2025 Recognition of Special Achievement Award by the National Academy of Construction (NAC). The honor celebrates standout projects that blend innovation, safety, performance, and community impact—and this one hit all the marks.

Originally built in 1888, the Wyoming State Capitol had seen better days. After years of wear and tear, outdated infrastructure, and limited public access, the building was in dire need of help. But the fix wasn’t going smoothly—construction had stalled, and costs were ballooning past $50 million over budget.

That’s when the State of Wyoming called in MOCA Systems, Inc. (MSI), teaming them up with JE Dunn Construction and HDR, Inc. The goal? Hit reset and rethink the whole plan.

With MOCA leading the charge using its Continuous Alignment™ system, the team reorganized the project, focused on collaboration, and made decisions rooted in data—not guesswork. The result: the Capitol reopened on time and $1 million under budget.

“This project worked because everyone rolled up their sleeves and worked together,” said Sandy Hamby, CEO of MOCA Systems. “We aligned the priorities, rebuilt trust, and focused on what really mattered to the people of Wyoming.”

Night and weekend work minimized disruptions, and smart safety protocols—developed in partnership with OSHA and trade workers—helped the jobsite earn an ENR Award of Merit.

The Capitol isn’t just another old building. It’s “The People’s House”—a national symbol of democracy and progress. It’s also where the first Women’s Suffrage Act in US history was passed.

The team took that legacy seriously. A major highlight of the renovation was restoring the Supreme Court Chamber, bringing back its original detail and spirit. New upgrades also made the building more accessible, including five women’s restrooms, modern safety systems, and committee rooms that now seat up to 300 people—a huge improvement for public participation in government.

When the doors reopened, the Capitol was no longer just a seat of government—it became a symbol of Wyoming’s past, present, and future. Residents poured in to celebrate the transformation and reconnect with their government in a space designed for everyone.

“This is what happens when innovation and respect for heritage go hand in hand,” said Edd Gibson, NAC President and CEO. “The Wyoming Capitol now stands as a model of what thoughtful restoration can achieve.”

The award will be officially presented at the 2025 NAC Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony.

For more information on MOCA Systems, Inc. visit www.mocasystems.com or email [email protected].

Joe Yans

Joe Yans is a 25-year-old journalist and interviewer based in Cheyenne, Wyoming. As a local news correspondent and an opinion section interviewer for Wyoming Star, Joe has covered a wide range of critical topics, including the Israel-Palestine war, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the 2024 U.S. presidential election, and the 2025 LA wildfires. Beyond reporting, Joe has conducted in-depth interviews with prominent scholars from top US and international universities, bringing expert perspectives to complex global and domestic issues.