The cast iron dome that tops the Capitol looks okay from afar, but up close, it’s a mess. Photograph by Architect of the Capitol
Some areas of the dome are so rusted out, friezes are falling off. Photograph by Architect of the Capitol
In other parts, rust is eating straight through the cast iron structure. Photograph by Architect of the Capitol
The Architect of the Capitol estimates there are at least 1,000 spots that need fixing. Photograph by Architect of the Capitol
The dome hasn’t had a complete overhaul since 1960. The new job will take two years and cost $40.8 million. Photograph by Architect of the Capitol
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Staff Writer
Benjamin Freed joined Washingtonian in August 2013 and covers politics, business, and media. He was previously the editor of DCist and has also written for Washington City Paper, the New York Times, the New Republic, Slate, and BuzzFeed. He lives in Adams Morgan.
