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Prairie Architects, Inc. |
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Jefferson County Courthouse - Spire Replacement Fairfield, Iowa |
Spurred by Lee Gobble's efforts to restore the pyramid roof to the Jefferson County Courthouse by his 90th birthday, public approval and private interests completed the job on November 11, 2004. Dozens of Fairfielders watched from the surrounding streets as the roof structure was lifted into place by crane. Onlookers appeared pleased as the steeple roof, fabricated on the ground with terracotta colored shingles secured to its steel framed decks, was lifted by crane to the top of the 145 foot tall steeple. The structure was secured on the interior and capped with a copper finial, restoring the graceful lines of the historic courthouse steeple. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The original roof was removed in the 1940's when the terracotta colored clay tile steeple roof was damaged by high winds. Slate roofing was removed from the rest of the roof at that time as well. Replacement of the steeple completes the second phase in restoring the roof and related items on the courthouse. Future work will include restoration of the copper dome a the center of the upper roof and the larger copper dome at the lower southeast corner. Framing for the upper dome was located in the attic of the building, stacked neatly under one of the gables. |
Prairie Architects, Inc. -- 103 South Third Street -- Fairfield, Iowa 52556 |