WASHINGTON — It's s an unwelcome and unwanted fixture of Washington’s skyline -- dark scaffolding visible for miles, fixed for years now atop the highest tower of the Washington National Cathedral.
Eight years ago, seismic waves from Virginia’s historic magnitude 5.8 earthquake traveled up the stone masonry, pushing parts of pinnacles off their bases, and crashing onto the cathedral roof.
The map below shows the estimated magnitude felt from the Aug. 23, 2011 earthquake.
The quake caused $34 million in damage, with the public left to raise $19 million for remaining repairs. No funds for restoration work originate from federal or municipal coffers.
At the current rate of donations, it could take another 10 years to finish work on the national treasure. A cathedral spokesperson said the time frame would shrink to two years if all necessary funding became available immediately.
To track the progress of cathedral restoration or make a donation, visit the Washington National Cathedral’s website for ongoing and future repairs.