Restoration of Copenhagen's Historic Old Stock Exchange Underway

Copenhagen, July 14 (AP) Restoration efforts are underway on the historic Old Stock Exchange in Copenhagen, following a destructive fire. Coppersmiths are methodically adding new copper sheets to the roof as part of a multistage effort to rebuild the 400-year-old landmark. This work begins a year and three months after the fire ravaged over half the structure.

In February, workers began by removing remains of the old, green patinated roof before carpenters laid down new wooden boards. As of now, coppersmiths are laboring through the summer months to maintain progress. René Hansen from the Danish firm Toft Kobber remarked that although copper work isn't inherently sophisticated, the techniques being employed are notably traditional. He notes that only around 35 people in Scandinavia are familiar with these historical methods.

A Violent Fire The blaze ignited early on April 16, 2024, severely damaging the building's copper roof and toppling its distinctive 56-meter dragon-tail spire. Two days post-fire, the outer wall of the building partially collapsed inward. The structure, a centerpiece for tourists in Denmark's capital, was originally constructed starting in 1615 and opened its doors in 1624.

The fire reportedly began under the roof amidst renovation work surrounded by scaffolding. Authorities in November stated there was no evidence of foul play. The Danish Chamber of Commerce, owning the building, intends to fully restore the landmark by 2029. Efforts to reopen the partially damaged Stock Exchange Hall are being planned for the end of the current year.

"We aim to open one of the floors this December," explained Lars Daugaard Jepsen, reconstruction head. "Achieving this is extremely challenging, but we're determined." Once the large construction tent enveloping the site is removed, one significant difference will stand out: the new copper roof. Reduced pollution means it will take 60 to 80 years for the copper to develop the iconic turquoise color, compared to the previous 30 to 40 years.

Efforts to design a replacement for the dragon-tail spire — originally a lead-covered wooden construction — are expected to commence next month, with actual building targeted for 2028. The search for an appropriate sculptor continues.

Lars Daugaard Jepsen revealed the building's history of reconstruction, having been rebuilt eight times over four centuries. The current plan aims to restore it to its original splendor with particular focus on a "more magnificent ballroom." Recreating the authenticity of the era involves leveraging the same types of materials from the 17th century: over 800,000 handmade red bricks ordered from Germany and Poland, nearly 900 pine trees sourced from Denmark and Sweden, and recycled copper from Finland.

"That's the way to rebuild a building of this stature," asserted Daugaard Jepsen. "In the real way." (AP)

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