Reconstruction & Renovation

Kansas statehouse dome restoration cleans up murals, 'century of grime'

Long obscured details are being cleaned up in the Kansas statehouse interior dome as part of a major restoration. Mural paintings, plaster details, and copper embellishments that were subjected to water damage are being spruced up.
Jan. 18, 2012

Long obscured details are being cleaned up in the Kansas statehouse interior dome as part of a major restoration. Mural paintings, plaster details, and copper embellishments that were subjected to water damage are being spruced up.

Copper covering iron beams and wrapping segments inside the dome have been transformed from a murky black to shiny tan. "This copper in the inner dome hasn't been touched since it was originally put up there," said a project manager with JE Dunn Construction. "One hundred years of dirt and grime." Some of the details will be tinted and highlighted, followed by a coating of clear varnish for protection.

(http://cjonline.com/news/2012-01-08/video-dome-restoration-moves-interior-cleaning)

About the Author

Drew Ballensky

Drew Ballensky is general manager of Duro-Last Roofing, Inc.’s central U.S. facility in Iowa and company spokesman for Duro-Last’s cool roofing, sustainability and architectural education programs. He is past-president of the Chemical Fabrics and Film Association and chairman of CFFA’s Vinyl Roofing Division. Drew earned his bachelor’s degree in industrial technology from the University of Northern Iowa and master’s degree in business administration from Florida State University. Drew has over 29 years experience in business and industry in various engineering and managerial capacities. He has worked in the U.S. and Canadian operations for a major international manufacturer of pre-engineered steel buildings, was a financial analyst with a major athletic apparel manufacturer and was an owner of a general contracting company.
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