Lewis said he views the Capitol complex — housing the Legislature and offices of governor, agriculture commissioner, chief financial officer and attorney general — as not only as a place of governance but also a testament to "the story of Florida."
The redesign places The Great Seal of the state of Florida squarely in front of the Capitol doors, an area where rallies and demonstrations often occur.
Work on renovations had begun four years ago but was delayed when structural defects in the parking garages under the Senate and House office buildings, to the north and south of the park, became known.