Washington Monument to remain closed until 2019 for elevator repairs

If you want a bird’s-eye view of the nation’s capital from atop the Washington Monument, you’ll have to wait awhile.

Repairs to the elevator that takes tourists to the observation deck at 500 feet in elevation will keep the landmark closed until 2019, the National Park Service announced Friday.

Usually visitors hop aboard the elevator for a 70-second ride to the top to snap views of the Capitol building, White House, Lincoln Memorial, Potomac River and other D.C. sites.

The monument shut down Aug. 17 when a cable broke and the elevator stopped between the 490-foot and 500-foot level. The marble obelisk dedicated in 1885 stands 555 feet tall.

The Park Service release says businessman David M. Rubenstein will provide the $2 million to $3 million to “correct the ongoing mechanical, electrical and computer issues...� with the elevator.

In addition to Rubenstein’s donation, the agency is seeking federal funds for a permanent screening facility when the monument reopens to visitors in two years.

The Washington Monument last had a major closure between August 2011 and May 2014 after a 5.8 earthquake caused cracks in the structure. It cost $15 million to make the repairs.

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