Information on Old Capitol

Old Capitol Reopens May 6, 2006

At 8:50 a.m. on November 20, 2001, smoke bellowed from the Old Capitol building. The blaze that dismayed the University of Iowa campus and community caused $6 million in damages, including destroying the gold dome and causing smoke and water damage. Four and a half years later, the Old Capitol boasts a fresh look that maintains its historical accuracy and rich tradition and is ready to reopen to an eagerly awaiting public. Self-guided tour displays have been added allowing visitors to embark on their own walking tours.

Touring the building, visitors might not know that the supportive looking, architecturally interesting rotunda columns are actually hollow. During the battle to put out the blaze, these columns and the walls of the rotunda filled up with water. Holes had to be drilled in the bottom to allow the water to drain out before repairs could be made.

The stairs survived the fire favorably with only a few of the treads needing to be reset due to water damage. Workers tested the soundness of the stairs before reopening by placing 9,000 pounds of sand on them--they only deflected 5/8 inch, robust by any standards.

The Senate Chamber suffered heavy water damage, and took 14 months to dry. Now, the carpet has been replaced, the walls have been repainted “Jamestown Blue” and the original chandelier is back in place. A new sprinkler system, fire alarm system and security camera system have been installed. In addition, electronic capabilities for presentations have been added that weren't present in the original building. The Senate Chamber is used for special lecture series, Ph.D. dissertation defenses, ROTC commissioning and other functions.

In the House Chamber, women were once relegated to the balcony during proceedings. Today, the House Chamber serves as part of the Museum complete with spittoons and quill pens. The floors of this Chamber suffered water damage, but workers sanded off the polyurethane finish and allowed the wood to breathe. This resourceful action resolved the problem without need for further repair.

The dome of the Old Capitol has been completely re-constructed of wood from Johnson County. The dome is painted with 23 3/4 K gold leaf. It was rebuilt in Galena, Illinois and then covered with lead coated copper and gold at the Iowa City airport in a hanger. It was then transported back to its original location.

New to the building is the inconspicuous state-of-the art safety system designed to prevent future loss. The ground level features all new offices, restrooms, galleries, archive room and rotunda. Mod-u-Point lighting casts a new perspective on artwork and furniture.

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The Old Capitol will have an official reopening ceremony on May 6 and then will be open for tours on a regular basis. For further information on the Old Capitol restoration process, contact Gary Nagle, AIA, Facilities Management Project Manager, at 335-1227.