CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The Wyoming State Capitol may reopen as early as this winter after years of being closed off to the public for restoration work.

Legislative Services Office Special Projects Manager Wendy Madsen says most of the substantial work on the building has been more or less completed, extending the historic building's lifespan for at least another century.

The Wyoming Capitol building is one of just 11 in the nation classified as a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Two of the most critical upgrades to the building are an expansive sprinkler system and a proper ventilation system.

One review of the building's safety said that without those additions, everyone would likely succumb to smoke within minutes should a fire take place.

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