Renovation of Minnesota State Office Building starts next month 

Construction on the Minnesota State Office Building is scheduled to begin next month despite questions raised by the Republican lawmakers who are opposed to the cost of the renovation. The original cost of the project was $288 million but that has now risen to $454 million with an additional $275 million in interest that could bring the total cost of the renovation to $729 million.

Supporters of the renovation say that the building is in need of renovations citing issues  of aging pipes,  electrical systems and a failing HVAC system that once resulted in a flood that sent water cascading onto six floors of the building. The building has also dealt with mold issues in the past and is not ADA compliant in many portions of the building. 

Cancellation or postponement of the project is not likely as the state has already sold $454 million in bonds for the project.