Mitchell Park Conservatory, the Domes, Milwaukee’s living landmark is closed until further notice after a chunk of concrete fell in the Arid (desert) Dome.

According to the Milwaukee County website, before the Domes there was the Mitchell Park Conservatory, which was built in 1898. It housed flowers and plants, but because it was unsafe and impractical to repair; it was torn down in 1955.

Thus set into motion the design and building of the Domes, which began construction in 1959 and was completed in 1967. In 2008 the Domes revealed the new LED lighting system and light show, but now the Domes have fallen into disrepair.

An engineering study concluded refurbishing the Domes could cost between $65 million and $75 million, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

We asked students, “Do you think the county should pay to replace the Domes and why?”