Bright as a new penny

Originally dedicated on Aug. 31, 1911, the historic Owen County Courthouse dome is once again shining as bright as a new penny in downtown Spencer.

Precision Construction and Roofing was behind the Herculean restoration effort following extensive hail damage suffered in June 2023. The project was financed via a county insurance claim.

The scope of the project included a new copper exterior for the dome and a new rubber membrane for the courthouse's flat roof. Additionally, the windows on the dome were repaired, painted and permanent coverings installed to protect the dome's original windows from the elements of weather.

According to a Sept. 15 post on the Precision Construction and Roofing Facebook page, "every inch of the dome was hand-fabricated from 20-ounce ribbon copper and installed piece by piece onsite, a true team effort from start to finish."

The new dome will at first have the bright copper color of a newly minted penny but will slowly turn a dark brown color. Then over time, the copper will achieve a classic green patina due to chemical interactions with the environment.