A major restoration of the U.S. Capitol dome was completed Tuesday, and, in a feat worthy of President-elect Donald Trump, officials said the project came in on time and under budget.
The two-year, $59 million project was the first comprehensive repair and restoration of the national landmark in more than a half-century, ensuring not only the beauty of the intricately decorated architecture but also the safety of the cast-iron dome, which weighs more than 8.9 million pounds.
The plan was to finish the renovations before the presidential inauguration next month, providing a backdrop of the Capitol without the scaffolding that has covered it for two years. Sticking to the timetable was the top priority quite apart from Mr. Trump, a real estate developer who has made on-time-and-under-budget a mantra.
“That was always our plan from the beginning,” said Tom Nowell, the Dome Project construction inspector.
More than 1,000 construction workers, restoration experts and artisans performed the cleaning and repairs inside and outside the 288-foot tall dome. About 1,215 gallons of paint were used to repaint the dome with three coats of paint.
The final coat of paint was the color “Dome White,” according to the Architect of the Capitol.
In addition to repairing cracks in the structure and applying fresh coats of paint and plaster, the workers removed all remaining lead-based paint, upgraded lighting from incandescent to LED and replaced broken window panes.
They also preserved the mural and frescos adorning the Rotunda, including the iconic Apotheosis of Washington across the ceiling and the Frieze of American History around the base of the dome in the Rotunda.
“The Dome was in dire need of repair, and with the help and leadership of Congress, we repaired more than 1,300 cracks and deficiencies in the cast iron. We repaired or recast intricate ornaments, gutters and balustrades,” said Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers.
Because the Capitol dome is predominately made of cast iron, exposure to rain, snow, sleet and sun causes damage to its exterior. Water infiltrates through pinholes in the Statue of Freedom atop the dome, and through cracks and open joints throughout the exterior shell.
The Capitol consists of two domes, an inner dome that caps the Rotunda and a larger outer shell.
The dome also has many cast-iron ornaments — scrolls, flowers, acorn finials, acorn pendants, rosettes, acanthus leaves — that were broken or severely damaged, and some could not be repaired on site.
Badly damaged ornaments and other broken cast-iron parts, such as the balustrade around the balcony ringing the top of the dome, dated from the Civil War period. The renovation effort used recycled material whenever possible, such as sending the old balustrade to Salt Lake City to be melted down and recast as the replacement part, said officials.
“The team used both innovative technology and historical tradecrafts to repair the dome. Our work revealed and preserved exquisite craftsmanship that went into the construction of the dome,” said Mr. Ayers. “We removed hazardous materials, upgraded electrical and mechanical systems and, finally, repainted the Rotunda and the dome.”
Mr. Ayers said he was proud of the restoration team.
“They worked through the night and in all kinds of weather — from snowstorms to scorching-hot summer days,” he said. “We successfully met our deadlines and did so under budget. It is important that we take a moment to celebrate and share the fine work done here.”
• S.A. Miller can be reached at smiller@washingtontimes.com.
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