Located on the western end of the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial is one of America’s most iconic landmarks. In 2020, the National Park Service launched the Lincoln Memorial Undercroft Revitalization project to improve visitor access and preserve the historic monument. Rugo Stone was entrusted by Consigli Construction to perform the stone restoration as part of this major rehabilitation effort.
The scope included dismantling, salvaging, repairing, and reinstalling thousands of existing stone elements including landings, pavers, copings, and marble treads. Damaged stone was replaced with new material, and granite lintels at doorways were carefully modified and reinstalled to widen access points. Every stone was surveyed against seven evaluation criteria, labeled, photographed, and documented through sketches to ensure precise reinstallation.
Restoration methods included comprehensive cleaning, poultice treatments for biological and chemical stains, dutchman repairs using matching stone, crack injections with epoxy, and installation of stainless steel pins and anchors for reinforcement. Extensive procedural submittals and mockups were required to meet the strict preservation standards of this national monument.
The project demanded careful field coordination to allow public access throughout construction. Spider cranes, scaffolding, and rigging systems were deployed for safe dismantling and reinstallation. For widening door openings, Rugo developed an elaborate shoring sequence to support heavy stone lintels during modification, ensuring structural integrity and worker safety.
Completed on schedule, the project was praised by the Smithsonian Institution and Consigli Construction for its quality, precision, and preservation excellence. This work highlights the longevity and sustainability of natural stone—originally installed in 1914, the Lincoln Memorial continues to stand as a testament to timeless design, with restored stonework now ready to serve generations to come.
Location: Washington, DC
Completion Date: 2025
Owner: The Smithsonian Institution
Architect: QEA Architects
General Contractor: Consigli Construction Co., Inc.
Services Performed: Stone Survey, Documentation, Restoration, Repair, Dutchman Repairs, Crack Injection, Structural Reinforcement, and Reinstallation
