Lincoln Memorial Update

[L Verge]

As some of you know, the Lincoln Memorial in DC is undergoing repairs and renovations. Here's an update as reported in the summer newsletter of the LGDC:

Recently the National Park Service provided an update on extensive renovations being made (at the cost $25 million) to the Lincoln Memorial. The project began in 2016. The memorial we all know and love has gone through some tough times and the wear and tear to the building requires repair. The memorial sits in a prominent spot in a punishing environment without the shelter of other buildings or even trees – so it is victim to the elements. There is a “baseball-sized gouge in the outer wall of the ‘penthouse’ (a smaller structure atop the monument), made by an errant antiaircraft bullet in 1942. The gun was on a nearby bridge to defend the city against air attacks when an accidental firing occurred.” As a Park Service representative said “the Memorial came under attack in WWII from friendly fire.” The 2011 earthquake moved some marble blocks, resulting in cracks and broken stone. Much of the ongoing work is aimed at replacing the 30-year roof (A Park Service quote on the roof: “it should have lasted longer than it did.”) Y2K also left its mark. Hundreds of pieces of gold Mylar confetti, used to celebrate the new millennium in 2000, lurked under the roof slates. Replacement of much of the old roof is now done, with the new roof, one which will address prior drainage problems, soon to be installed. There will also be renovations inside the memorial – expansion of the exhibit space and the tiny bookstore, an upgrading of the ancient restrooms (Hooray!) and new exhibits. Future visitors will be able to see “the massive pilings and foundation that support the memorial in its undercroft.” Much of the renovation is being funded by an $18 million donation from philanthropist David Rubenstein. The memorial remains open during its facelift, although at times portions of the site may be closed. The Park Service hopes the renovation is complete by the 2022 memorial centennial. (Information for this article comes from a Michael E. Ruane article in The Washington Post, June 15, 2018, beginning on page B1)
Time for a Makeover

I saw an interesting comment recently by a NPS representative who was speaking on the damage to the Memorial's roof. It seems that the roof collects rainwater so badly that they refer to it as Lake Lincoln.