Washington Monument reopens after three years of repairs

The Washington Monument is reopening Thursday after a three-year long repair project to update the elevator and increase the structure’s safety. 

D.C.’s tallest building will reopen at noon with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. First lady Melania Trump is expected to attend, according to The Associated Press. 

{mosads}The 555-foot monument had been shut down since September 2016. It previously had been open on and off for the last eight years after a 2011 earthquake left cracks in the stone, according to AP. 

Before the overhaul, the monument would often be close to repair the elevator, National Park Service Spokesman Mike Litterst told the AP. 

“We couldn’t guarantee that you wouldn’t get stuck,” he added. 

“We’re just excited to open it again,” Litterst said. “The views from up here are like nothing else.”