Nominated January 6, 1997; Retired February 4, 2007.

Alan M. Hantman, FAIA, was appointed Architect of the Capitol for a 10-year term in 1997 and was the first Architect of the Capitol to undergo confirmation according to new procedures established by legislation in 1989.

As Architect of the Capitol, Hantman created detailed valuations and master plans for each of the nine jurisdictions under the responsibility of the Architect of the Capitol, providing an overall road map for phased renovations and growth, including plans for the restoration of the U.S. Capitol's cast-iron Dome.

Hantman oversaw the detailed design and construction of the 580,000 square foot Capitol Visitor Center that increased the size of the U.S. Capitol by 70 percent. During his tenure, Hantman also oversaw the complete reconstruction and expansion of the U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory, the Capitol Power Plant, and the design and construction of the National Garden.

Under Mr. Hantman, a renovation and upgrade of the historic Supreme Court Building and an underground addition were initiated. Projects for the Library of Congress (LOC) included the Packard Campus for Audio Visual Conservation in Culpeper, Virginia; the Dense Book Depository at Fort Meade, Maryland; and renovations in the LOC buildings in Washington, D.C.

Hantman's tenure was also marked by significant improvements to life safety and security measures across the Capitol campus.

Born in New York City on October 13, 1942, Hantman earned degrees in architecture and city planning from the City College and the City University of New York. Prior to his appointment he served as Vice President of Planning, Architecture, Historic Preservation and Construction at Rockefeller Center Management Corporation of New York City for 10 years. He previously worked as a development consultant, assistant chief architect and project manager at major architectural firms.

Related Places

Hantman's Legacy

Each Architect of the Capitol helped shape the iconic buildings and grounds we know today.

Drawing.

Capitol Dome

The U.S. Capitol’s dome made of cast iron was designed by Thomas U. Walter and constructed from 1856-1866 at the total cost of $1,047,291.
Crowd in a room.

U.S. Capitol Visitor Center

The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center is the newest addition to the historic Capitol Complex. At nearly 580,000 square feet, the Visitor Center is the largest project in the Capitol's more than two-century history and is approximately three-quarters the size of the Capitol itself.
Fountain and landscaping with a view of the Capitol Power Plant from a distance.

Capitol Power Plant

The Capitol Power Plant provides steam and chilled water used to heat and cool buildings throughout the U.S. Capitol campus.
Walkway in National Garden

Outdoor Gardens

Adjacent to the U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory with entrances from Independence Avenue, Maryland Avenue (at 3rd street) and from the Conservatory Terrace.
Exterior view of a building.

Packard Campus

The Packard Campus of the National Audio-Visual Conservation Center is located on 45 acres near Culpeper, Virginia, 75 miles southwest of Washington, D.C.