[IMGCAP(1)]During a decade that saw several construction and renovation projects take place on Capitol Hill, Roll Call made it a priority in 1977 to call attention to the deterioration of the Capitol’s West Front, which “could well crumble and fall away” unless Congress began to take steps to shore up the structure.

Despite Roll Call’s earnest pleas, it would take five more years before Congress agreed on a plan and work began to preserve the West Front. The massive effort was finally completed in 1987 and was one of the last major overhauls to the building before construction began in 2000 on the new Capitol Visitor Center.

Though it was finished ahead of schedule and under budget, the West Front renovation effort has received mixed reviews in recent years by some Members who think corners were cut in order to finish.