December 26, 2013 10:27 AM UTC

Refurbished Gold Dome Slowly Appears

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• by: Colorado Pols

The press release from your Colorado Department of Personnel and Administration:

Construction crews at the Colorado State Capitol began unwrapping a present for the entire state today as the scrim covering the iconic gold dome started coming down, revealing its shiny new surface. 

“The unveiling of the new state capitol dome really symbolizes Colorado’s spirit of determination and our ability to emerge from difficult circumstances with a more solid foundation and bright outlook,” said Kathy Nesbitt, Executive Director of the Department of Personnel & Administration. 

“After battling some challenging weather conditions this fall, the gilding process on the dome is complete and the project is still running on time and budget,” said State Architect Larry Friedberg. He is referring to two bouts with high winds and the record-setting cold snap earlier this month that impacted the gilding’s progress at the site.

Over the next few days crews are expected to remove the scrim, followed by the scaffolding that has encircled the gold dome since May.  Both will be disassembled down to the observation deck at the base of the gold dome.  

It is expected to take just two days to remove the top portion of the scrim, weather permitting.  Then, just before New Year’s Eve, the scaffolding will begin its descent and take roughly six weeks to remove down to the observation deck. 

Read the fact sheet on the dome restoration project here. Sixty-five ounces of donated Colorado gold make up the new gold leaf beautifying the dome. If all goes well, the public observation deck, closed since a rusted piece of iron broke off the dome's structure and fell, could reopen by late next summer. We've heard a few superstitions linking the horrific present state of Colorado politics to the iconic gold dome of the state capitol being turned into a shrink-wrapped soda can. If you're of such a mind, today is truly a day to celebrate.