Two local landmarks have both won $100,000 grants thanks to the power of social media, with Washington National Cathedral billed as the big winner.
The cathedral sustained millions of dollars of damage during August 2011's 5.8-magnitude earthquake.
On Monday, it was named the official winner of a three-week campaign by Partners in Preservation,which allowed online voters to register votes for local landmarks via Twitter, Fourquare and Instagram.
The cathedral garnering the most votes, which means it will receive its full grant request, said Partners in Preservation in a release. Mount Vernon Estate will also receive a $100,000 grant, although it had asked for more.
The cathedral will use the money to help fund inspections and conduct repair work on its 100-foot-high vaulted ceiling, which -- since the earthquake -- has been obscured by dark nets to catch any mortar or debris that may fall.
"It has been inspiring to see the tremendous support local preservationists have shown their favorite historic places in the Washington area and a pleasure to bring this program to the Trust’s hometown," said Stephanie Meeks, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, according to the release.
Mount Vernon Estate will use its grant to paint, plaster and restore the large dining room at George Washington's historic former home in Virginia.
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All told, $1 million will go out to support local landmarks. The money comes from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and American Express.
Other winners include:
- All Souls Church Unitarian, Adams Morgan: $50,000 to repair historic bell tower.
- Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site, Shaw $75,000 to rebuild front and rear façade.
- Colvin Run Mill, Great Falls, Va.: $75,000 to get an 18th-century grain elevator in working order.
- Congressional Cemetery, Barney Circle, D.C.: $50,000 to replace and reconstruct a row of 26 mausoleum vault roofs.
- Dumbarton Oaks Park, Georgetown: $50,000 repair garden’s original built structures.
- GALA Hispanic Theatre, Columbia Heights: $35,000 to restore three ornate interior domes.
- Greenbelt Theatre, Greenbelt, Md.: $75,000 to renovate art deco lobby.
- LAMB at Military Road School, Brightwood, D.C.: $60,000 to repair exterior of school.
- Meridian Hill Park, Columbia Heights: $50,000 to stabilize and repair exposed aggregate concrete grotto.
- Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church, Scott Circle, D.C.: $90,000 to restore stained glass windows on church’s primary facade.
- Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, Mount Vernon Square, D.C.: $75,000 to repair and preserve a dozen stained glass windows.
Nearly a dozen other sites will receive $5,000 each.
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