Center Added While Monument Repaired

A $2-million interactive center will open on the grounds of the Washington Monument next month and remain in place until Labor Day 2000, adding a temporary attraction to the Mall and completing the National Park Service’s ambitious plans for the renovation of the historic obelisk. The center, a state-of-the-art facility donated by Discovery Communications Inc., will focus on Washington the man, the city and the monument. The opening is set for mid-February at the grounds, where a temporary steel structure will be erected. The monument is expected to be open to the public for most of the renovation.