Washington Monument Gets Generous Donation. Again. Elevator Issues “have shuttered the monument since August 17.” now “Expected to re-open to visitors in 2019”

Photo by PoPville flickr user Erinn Shirley

From the National Park Service:

“Businessman and philanthropist David M. Rubenstein has pledged the funding needed for the National Park Service to modernize the Washington Monument elevator. The $2-3 million project will correct the elevator’s ongoing mechanical, electrical and computer issues, which have shuttered the monument since August 17.

Mr. Rubenstein said, “The monument has become a symbol of our country, and reminds everyone of the towering strengths of our first president. I am honored to help make this symbol safely accessible again to all Americans as soon as practicable.”

Rubenstein’s gift to the National Park Foundation’s Centennial Campaign for America’s National Parks will allow the National Park Service to replace the computer system that controls the elevator and to add a remote diagnostic system, which will permit technicians to more quickly determine the cause of problems when they occur. It will also provide funds to refurbish the existing elevator machine and gear; replace existing hardware, including door operators, hoist-way ropes, compensation cables, rollers, electrical conductors, breakers and power supplies, and the elevator cab ventilation system; install audio/visual screens in the elevator cab; and install code compliant landings every 30 feet in the elevator shaft.

“The Washington Monument is one of our Nation’s most iconic structures. It is one of many monuments in Washington, D.C. that is important in telling the story of America’s rich and diverse history,” said Jonathan B. Jarvis, Director of the National Park Service. “Mr. Rubenstein’s continued support for the Washington Monument will ensure generations of visitors can safely enjoy this historically significant monument for years to come.”

Rubenstein’s “patriotic philanthropy” benefitting the National Park Service makes him a leader in the incredible legacy of private support for national parks:

January 2012 – $7.5 million to restore the Washington Monument after the earthquake
July 2014 – $12.35 million to restore Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial
September 2014 – $5 million endowment for the White House Visitor Center
April 2015 – $5.37 million to improve the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial
February 2016 – $18.5 million to restore the Lincoln Memorial
April 2016 – $1 million to fund critical repairs to Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument

“Mr. Rubenstein’s continued support carries on the legacy of private citizens who came together to establish and support our national parks,” said Will Shafroth, president of the National Park Foundation. “His ongoing commitment to protect and enhance these treasured places ensures they will be accessible and preserved for all to enjoy.”

The National Park Service has also requested funding in its FY 2017 President’s Budget Request to construct a permanent screening facility for the Washington Monument. The Washington Monument is expected to re-open to visitors in 2019.”