Arlington House suffered significant damage in the 2011 Virginia earthquake , requiring the closure of the back halls and upper floor pending an architectural assessment . On July 17 , 2014 , philanthropist David Rubenstein donated $ 12.5 million to the National Park Foundation ( the arm of the National Park Service which raises funds through private contributions ) to rehabilitate Arlington House , its outbuildings , and grounds . The 30-month project is intended to restore the mansion , buildings , and grounds to the way they looked in 1860 . The project will repair the earthquake-damaged foundation , and add new interior lighting and a modern climate-control system . National Park Service officials said they are likely to close Arlington House and the slave quarters for several months in 2016 , during which most of the work will be done
2011 Virginia earthquake
2011 Virginia earthquake
Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial