The popularity of cupolas across the country seems to keep rejuvenating itself over time. Just last week, we wrote about how “trendy” cupolas seem to be in America. Since the early 1800s they have been a staple of buildings, particularly barns, old houses and government buildings (like city halls and schools) – even so, every week, there seems to be a whole new host of stories about cupolas being restored or put into place in new developments. Here are some of this week’s cupola updates:

• At the Wellfleet Preservation Hall in Wellfleet, Massachusetts, the 100-year-old hall is undergoing renovations, including the historic cupola atop the building. According to the article, the fully-restored cupola will be returned to the building during the first week of August, along with a heron sculpture made by Wellfleet artist Del Filardi. The heron will be a symbol of good luck for the restored building and cupola.

• A historic building in Laconia, New Hampshire, the Gilmanton Academy’s cupola is being restored due to structural damage over time. The article says that the cupola was removed in late 2008 and has been in storage ever since due to budget disputes in the local government. A building restoration company has taken the job, which entails extensive work:

“Fifield Building Restoration has begun the first phase of the project, which entails restoration of the cupola structure itself, replicating the damaged columns and furnishing matching support timbers. The second phase of the work will involve repairing the damaged roof structure, replacing the cupola atop the roof and resetting the bell.”

As we wrote in the last post, we will soon discuss how cupolas are being added to new design plans in developments across the U.S. They are a staple of the American architectural tradition and aren’t going anywhere soon.