Everyone has an opinion about the Golden 1 Center, the new home of the Sacramento Kings. But everyone also agrees on one thing: the new facility is transforming downtown Sacramento. Since construction began that sleepy Friday morning one year ago, the initial shock from seeing the landmark Downtown Plaza demolished has given way to the realization that we’re seeing an historic event unfold before our eyes. Beginning as construction was days away, this slideshow covers a memorable year in the history of California’s State Capitol, as the city gears up for the highly anticipated October 2016 opening.

All photos by Steve Martarano