The West Virginia Capitol Building Commission has approved several renovation projects, including upgrades to the historic Holly Grove mansion, Capitol bathrooms, and conference rooms. However, the commission did not discuss the mural project in the upper rotunda, which has been contentious since a 2010 vote. Recently, Babydog, Gov. Jim Justice’s English bulldog, was included in one of the murals, causing further controversy. Attorney Harvey Peyton, representing Gregory S. Morris, has filed a 30-day notice of intent to sue, alleging that state law processes were not followed for the mural project.

Peyton’s client is considering legal action against the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture, and History (WVDACH) and other state agencies involved in the mural project. The murals, depicting historic and allegorical scenes, were based on designs by Capitol architect Cass Gilbert and revived in 2021 using a 2010 commission vote. The project did not undergo a competitive bidding process, citing exemptions for artwork and historical items, and has cost over $509,000 so far. The Governor’s Office had released renderings of the murals in April, and an ad hoc committee had recommended changes, including the addition of Babydog.

In other decisions, the Capitol Building Commission sanctioned renovations for third-floor bathrooms in the State Capitol Building’s west wing and approved plans for Holly Grove, a historic mansion built in 1815. The mansion will become the headquarters of the State Historic Preservation Office. Additionally, the commission approved alterations to a conference room for the House of Delegates, following extensive renovations to the House chamber last year. WVDACH Cabinet Secretary Randall Reid-Smith, also the commission chairman, left the meeting without commenting on the mural project.