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National Academy of Construction’s 2025 Recognition of Special Achievement Award Given for Transformative Work on the Wyoming State Capitol

via Business Wire

Historic restoration project recognized for innovation, collaboration, and cultural impact

MOCA Systems, Inc. is honored to announce that the National Academy of Construction (NAC) has selected the Wyoming Capitol Square Project as the recipient of the Academy’s 2025 Recognition of Special Achievement Award. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding innovation, exemplary safety and performance, strategic planning, a strong commitment to sustainability, excellence in project delivery, and meaningful contributions to the community and region.

Collaborative Realignment for Lasting Impact

The Wyoming State Capitol, originally constructed in 1888, suffered decades of deferred maintenance, aging infrastructure, and limited public access, creating an urgent need for restoration. However, the restoration project initially encountered substantial challenges, including stalled construction and a projected cost overrun of more than $50 million.

Recognizing the importance of restoring this historic civic landmark and ensuring its long-term vitality, the Governor of Wyoming and the Capitol Square Oversight Group engaged MOCA Systems, Inc. (MSI) to collaborate with general contractor JE Dunn Construction and HDR, Inc. in re-planning and realigning the project.

The team led a comprehensive re-planning process focused on stakeholder alignment and data-driven decisions. Using MSI’s Continuous Alignment™ project delivery system, they re-scoped and restructured the project, ultimately completing it on time and $1 million under budget.

“The success of the Wyoming State Capitol project was defined by a spirit of true collaboration,” said Sandy Hamby, CEO of MSI. “From day one, our team worked side by side with the State of Wyoming, JE Dunn Construction, HDR, Inc., and countless stakeholders to realign priorities and reimagine what was possible. By combining innovative planning processes with an open, collaborative approach, we were able to close knowledge gaps, build trust, and chart a clear path forward together.”

Safety Considerations and Performance

Safety was a central focus throughout the project. To reduce risk and disruption, critical systems work was scheduled during nights and weekends. JE Dunn enhanced jobsite safety through collaboration with OSHA and trade partners, resulting in an ENR Award of Merit for its commitment to safety.

The restoration also delivered major life-safety upgrades, including a modern fire system, three emergency exits, and five new women’s restrooms to vastly improve safety and accessibility for staff and the public.

Bolstering Democracy and Preserving the History of Equality

Trademarked as “The People’s House,” the Wyoming State Capitol is more than a historic landmark. It is the birthplace of women’s suffrage in the U.S. and a lasting symbol of democracy, equality, and progress. Also, as the seat of state government, it serves all Wyoming citizens and plays a vital role in shaping civic life and public policy.

During planning, the team discovered that the Supreme Court Chamber—where the nation’s first Women’s Suffrage Act was passed—had lost much of its historic character. The project carefully restored the chamber’s original architecture and hand-painted details, transforming it into a powerful symbol of equality.

The renovation also removed long-standing barriers to civic engagement. For over a century, cramped committee rooms limited public participation. Today, new hearing rooms accommodate up to 300 attendees, enabling more residents to participate in the legislative process and making the Capitol more accessible to all.

The restored Capitol reopened with a large public celebration, welcoming residents from across Wyoming to reengage with their government in a more open and inclusive space.

“The Wyoming State Capitol restoration embodies the very best of what our industry can achieve when innovation, collaboration, and respect for heritage come together,” said Edd Gibson, NAC President and CEO. “This project not only preserved an irreplaceable symbol of democracy and equality, but also reimagined it as a vibrant, accessible space for civic engagement serving the citizens of the entire state of Wyoming. The National Academy of Construction is proud to recognize this remarkable achievement.”

The Recognition of Special Achievement Award will be formally presented at the 2025 NAC Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony.

About MOCA Systems Inc.

MOCA Systems, Inc. (MSI) is a leading service and software provider for the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industry. MSI delivers innovative solutions to Owners, Engineers, Architects, and Contractors working on some of the world’s largest, most complex construction projects. A profitable firm with offices across the U.S. and partners around the globe, MSI’s service and technology offerings ensure that projects are delivered on time and on budget and fulfill all Owner expectations. To learn more, visit mocasystems.com.

About the National Academy of Construction

The National Academy of Construction, established in 1999, is an organization of industry leaders―construction users, constructors, engineers, architects, consultants, attorneys, sureties, editors, and academics―who have made outstanding, life-long contributions to the construction industry. In addition to honoring the personal contributions of its members, the Academy provides its leadership and expertise to a variety of organizations, governmental and nongovernmental. NAC is transforming the construction industry by unifying its best leaders, building consensus, and expanding the industry’s abilities and capacity. The academy provides experts to help guide nationally significant projects and initiatives. It helps shape and influence public policies that impact the construction industry’s processes and methods for improving the effectiveness and efficiency in construction delivery and performance.

“This project not only preserved an irreplaceable symbol of democracy and equality, but also reimagined it as a vibrant, accessible space for civic engagement serving the citizens of the entire state of Wyoming."

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