BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) – A celebration to mark the completion of restoration work on the Brown County Courthouse’s dome.
A lighting ceremony was held Monday, with the $1.6-million dollar project wrapping up a couple weeks ago.
“Taking off the original copper dome that dates back to 1911 (when the courthouse first opened), repairing and sealing the sub-dome that’s under the copper.”
Facilities Engineer Doug Marsh says they also repaired clock faces and restored its limestone base.
Marsh explains why the county decided to apply the new coat of copper.
“The clear coat seal on the dome was failing. The last thing we wanted was to have the roof leak.”
He expects the project will have a lasting effect.
“The copper itself should last another 100 years. Our goal is to not have to reseal the dome for at least another five years.”
County Executive Troy Streckenbach feels this was an investment that couldn’t wait much longer.
“The copper dome was deteriorating. It really was looking at eventually impacting the $10-million dollars that was spent back in the 1980’s renovating the facility.”
Monday’s event also kicked off the county’s 200th anniversary celebration. See a photo of the official logo at the top of this story.
