Update and status of the main building

… For a long time now, we have seen warnings about the life-safety risks presented by the building's deteriorating infrastructure. On September 4, during a severe storm, a large section of water-damaged plaster detached from the Grand Foyer ceiling and fell approximately 60 feet to the floor. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but we cannot afford to risk another serious safety incident. Effective immediately, beginning today, September 16, we are closing the main building for the next seven days due to safety concerns with our soffit panels, electrical infrastructure, and structural conditions. This will allow operations staff to determine whether any other severe safety incident is imminent and, if necessary, to remediate such issues. The need to extend this temporary closure will be evaluated on a weekly basis. To be clear, this is not a decision to effectuate the Board's separate vote to close the building for renovation, described below; it is a distinct decision by management to address imminent life-safety risks pending the Court's ruling on that vote. Separately, for your awareness: the Board of Trustees met this week to consider a path forward for the building's long-term restoration and voted to temporarily close the main building for necessary restorations and renovations. Effectuating that vote is awaiting a Court decision. We will share an update on the larger renovation project when one is available, and we are hopeful that we may soon be able to commence the effort to modernize the Center and safeguard this national memorial for generations to come. …