The daylight is different in the courthouse now that work is under way on the restoration of the large stained glass dome over the rotunda.
A three-man crew from The Stained Glass Store of Des Moines started dismantling the dome last week. They’re accessing the dome through the attic, removing large panels and then taking them to Des Moines. They’ll be taken apart, cleaned, and reassembled before being re-installed.
Left in place is the clear cover over the dome.
Precautions are being taken while the dome is removed. Caution tape keeps the public from standing directly beneath the dome, and a tarp is hanging under the dome on the third floor. Should workers drop anything, it will land on the tarp rather than landing on a person and/or the floor below.
A similar project was done two years ago on the smaller dome over the courtroom.
The entire job will be done no later than July 1. Total cost is $135,000. The county supervisors approved the project to be sure it is completed before the courthouse centennial next October.
