Old Capitol ready to rise from the ashes

As the Iowa Hawkeyes rise in the national football polls, the symbol of the University of Iowa is also rising from the literal ashes. It’s been almost a year since the spectacular fire that decapitated Old Capitol, the U-of-I’s most recognizable building and the campus centerpiece. Fire crews saved the 160-year-old building but flames claimed the golden dome, bell tower and cupola. University officials now say construction is set to begin and the new dome will be finished by late February. This phase of the process is expected to cost one-point-six million dollars, with the full rebuilding at six-million. Last week, an eight-foot-high plywood fence went up around the historic building that’s being painted with murals by students, faculty and community leaders.