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During the weeks of January 14 – 28, 2002 the design team will have accomplished research and investigation of the historic design, building materials and detail that went into the original construction of areas affected by the fire at Old Capitol Museum. “We will build a comprehensive picture,” said EYP’s David Fixler, “not only of the cupola and dome, but of the Old Capitol in context to original designs and subsequent restorations that occurred in the 1920’s and 1970’s.”
The research investigation for this project will draw upon original architectural drawings, archival materials, photo archives, and any other records kept by people involved, such as a “bill of materials” from the 1840’s, as well as probes of the timber and detail work salvaged from the fire. Some of the trim details had been removed and stored during the restoration work that preceded the fire.
Once the research is completed, a report will be presented to the University by OPN and EYP. “We will have to put all this together and define where we are “going back to”, said Fixler, “then look at how the new construction gets married to the existing structure. Preservation has to look ahead as well as back.”
After over two full months since the November 20, 2001 fire, water damage to the interior of the Old Capitol continues to be identified. Investigation probes, in the form of openings cut into selected area such as floors, walls, and the spiral staircase are revealing the extent of damage to areas not easily seen on the surface. While the absence of the dome and cupola tower are very visible to the public, we have to approach the this as a “whole project” that will address restoration needs throughout the interior and exterior of the building.
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The University of Iowa
