The rebuilding of Iowa City’s most famous landmark is finally taking shape. A 15-hundred-pound white oak frame is now in place atop Old Capitol, a frame that’ll eventually hold the historic building’s new bell. The centerpiece of the University of Iowa was hit by fire nearly 13 months ago that demolished the familiar golden dome and cupola. The new dome is scheduled to be delivered next week from craftsmen in Galena, Illinois, but U-of-I officials say it likely won’t be put in place until next month or February. The November 2001 fire caused nearly six-million dollars damage to Old Capitol, which investigators blamed on renovation crews using torches and heat guns to remove asbestos. The outside rebuilding work should be done by April or May with repairs on the interior damage, much of it from water, to follow.
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