Architect: State Capitol Dome Needs To Be Replaced

Statehouse Architect Barry Greis says the state Capitol’s copper dome and roof need to be replaced.

Greis told the Capitol Preservation Committee Friday that leaks that have plagued the Capitol in recent years are too severe to be repaired. The roof was built in the 1890s.

Greis said sharp angles on some parts of the dome caused joints to
fail because no room was built in for expansion and contraction.

It is not known how much it would cost to replace the roof and dome. Greis said pre-qualifying statements from 14 contractors are being reviewed, and he expects bidding to begin in the spring.

Greis said the state might salvage $250,000 to $750,000 worth of copper from the dome.