The Dome of Capitol of Puerto Rico

San Juan, Puerto Rico

 

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The Selective Restoration of the Capitol Dome of Puerto Rico stands as a model of technical excellence and cultural preservation. Located in San Juan, the Capitol building is a Beaux-Arts landmark completed in 1929 and serves as the seat of the Legislative Assembly. Over time, the dome’s structural integrity was severely compromised due to water infiltration, corrosion of embedded metal, and progressive collapses of decorative terracotta elements. These failures not only threatened the building’s architectural fabric but also posed risks to the safety and functionality of the Rotunda below.

Responding to this critical need, the restoration project was undertaken with the objective of preserving original materials while introducing necessary structural and performance upgrades. The design and intervention strategies were guided by the original 1924 construction drawings, and the scope included the primary and secondary domes, interior and exterior galleries, cylindrical walls, and the ornamental base.

Minimally invasive methods were prioritized to ensure authenticity. Restoration work involved selective demolition, consolidation of masonry, and targeted removal of failed materials. Modern interventions were carefully integrated: anticorrosive anchorage systems replaced deteriorated fasteners; structural concrete was repaired and reinforced; drainage systems were upgraded to manage rainwater effectively and prevent future infiltration; and architectural lighting was installed to highlight the dome’s grandeur while meeting modern operational needs. In addition, stone cleaning and consolidation, as well as meticulous repointing of stone and terracotta elements, were executed to recover the dome’s historic character.

The result is a structurally sound, operationally safe, and culturally significant facility that continues to support the daily work of the Puerto Rico Legislature. Beyond its technical achievements, the project embodies a broader civic mission—strengthening public identity, celebrating heritage, and fostering institutional resilience.

 

Historic Preservation & Restoration

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In recognition of its complexity, execution, and cultural impact, the project received two prestigious first-place awards in 2025. The Colegio de Ingenieros y Agrimensores de Puerto Rico (CIAPR) recognized it as the most significant civil engineering project of the year locally, while the American Concrete Institute (ACI) honored it nationally under the Repair and Restoration category of the Excellence in Concrete Construction Awards. These accolades affirm the project’s success as a collaborative, multidisciplinary effort rooted in best practices of architectural conservation and structural rehabilitation.

 

Ultimately, the restoration of the Capitol dome sets a precedent for conservation-based approaches to government historical structures in Puerto Rico and beyond. It demonstrates how thoughtful design, technical precision, and cultural responsibility can come together to safeguard iconic landmarks for future generations.

Urban and Cultural Impact

The restoration of El Capitolio’s Dome extends beyond aesthetics and engineering—it is a catalyst for broader social, cultural, and economic benefits:

  • Enhances nearby real estate values through urban revitalization

  • Strengthens civic identity and national pride

  • Drives heritage tourism, supporting the local economy

  • Preserves historic memory for future generations

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