A northeast Iowa landmark is getting a facelift. Work is underway to replace the hail-damaged roof of the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. A wind and hail storm rolled across the Cedar Valley on July 10, 2009, leaving the stainless steel “outer skin” of the Dome’s roof full of dents and divots.

Workers remove stainless steel "outer skin" of UNI-Dome roof

Workers remove stainless steel "outer skin" of UNI-Dome roof

University of Northern Iowa officials told the Board of Regents last December that the storm caused over $5 million dollars damage on campus, including $4.3 million to the UNI-Dome. UNI officials say insurance is covering the cost of replacing the roof, which is made of stainless steel, PVC, and fabric.

A Rochester, Minnesota-based roofing company is replacing the stainless steel shell with a PVC membrane, which will give the Dome’s top an all-white appearance when the project is finished. The completion date is slated for early October – weather permitting. Events scheduled inside the UNI-Dome during the work period are not expected to be interrupted.

(by Elwin Huffman, KOEL)