University of Notre Dame Main Building Dome

Water intrusion investigation of the lantern and base of the Virgin Mary statue atop the Golden Dome of the historic Main Building located on the campus. Constructed to replace the original structure destroyed by fire in 1879, the drum, dome, lantern, and statue of the Virgin Mary were added in 1882. The existing conditions identified cracks and open joints as sources of water intrusion along with deterioration of the support members. Waterproofing and structural repairs were developed strengthening the statue and lantern.