Why is this work necessary now?
This iconic facility, built in 1908, is the oldest congressional office building. The building structure and many of the building systems have not been modernized during the building's existence. A critical stage was reached in the life of the Cannon Building as the century-old building was plagued with serious safety, health, environmental and operational issues that caused rapid deterioration. Without action through the Cannon Renewal, the essential systems housed behind the walls and in mechanical rooms would continue to crumble and fail, impacting members, staff and constituents. To address these urgent problems and to ensure the Cannon Building provides an effective congressional workplace into the next century, the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is undertaking a complete renewal of the building.

What are the benefits of the project?
Prior to renewal, the building experienced plumbing leaks, plaster ceiling failures and chunks of decorative stone dislodging from the building exterior and falling to the ground. The project will improve the functionality of the building for both members and staff, making it far more efficient, comfortable and safer, while retaining the historic grandeur of the building. The renewal project will replace or repair key building systems such as heating, cooling, lighting, plumbing, fire and life safety, accessibility and structural integrity.

Modernizing the Cannon House Office Building

How long will it take?
The renewal project is scheduled to take approximately 10 years, broken into five distinct phases of work.

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Map of all Cannon Renewal project phases and dates.

The duration of each phase will align with the congressional move cycles. Work includes demolishing and rebuilding the fifth floor, conserving the exterior stonework and rehabilitating the individual office suites.

How will the work impact members of Congress and their staff?
Members located in the Cannon Building's four construction zone phases were relocated in at the end of the Congressional session for the following session. All House members have a suite located in the Longworth, Rayburn or Cannon House Office Buildings. Construction crews created additional member suites in the Longworth and Rayburn Buildings and these suites were included in member office lottery. Some committee and support staff were relocated to the Ford House Office Building and the Thomas P. O'Neill Jr. House Office Building (located next to the Ford Building). Each phase of the project will require the affected wing to be vacated.

How does this impact the Member office lottery?
During each construction phase, offices in the section of the Cannon Building closed for renovation will be excluded from the lottery process. House leadership will make final space use decisions.

How can the Architect of the Capitol ensure the project delivers good value to the taxpayer?
The Architect of the Capitol is committed to maximizing taxpayer value, reducing the risk, and minimizing disruption to the work of Congress. Similar projects have been conducted throughout the executive branch including the Eisenhower Executive Office Building and the headquarters of the Departments of Interior, Justice, Treasury and Commerce.

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