INTERRELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER PLANS AND PROJECTS

dress stewardship, urban form and context, and CONTENTS workplace and visitor needs and issues.

Federal Plans and Projects...... 1 The area north of and east Architect of the Capitol ...... 1 of 3rd Street is to be developed as the U.S. National Capital Planning Senate Youth Park and U.S. Botanic Garden Commission...... 1 Education and Outreach Center. Pennsylvania National Park Service ...... 3 Avenue at this location between 1st and 3rd U.S. Department of Transportation .... 4 Streets is used for parking. U.S. General Services Administration . 4 DC Plans and Projects...... 5 National Capital Planning Center City Action Agenda ...... 5 Commission Bicycle Master Plan...... 5 Pedestrian Master Plan...... 5 In 1997 NCPC prepared Extending the Legacy, DC’s Transit System Future Plan ...... 6 which laid the groundwork for Congress to Interagency Planning Efforts...... 6 amend the Commemorative Works Act in 2003 CapitalSpace...... 6 to strengthen and clarify the act’s purpose and to Planning Together for Central designate the Reserve area (NCPC 1997)*. The Washington ...... 6 Legacy plan provides an overarching vision for Washington Metropolitan Area Transit the nation’s capital that builds on the principles Authority...... 7 of the L’Enfant and McMillan Plans and is their References Cited...... 7 successor. It calls for re-centering the city on the U.S. Capitol by mixing public and private uses and extending new public buildings, memorials, and museums into all quadrants of the city. The management of Pennsylvania Avenue is shared among NPS, GSA, NCPC, and DC. The The 2001 Memorials and Museums Master Plan avenue is managed to the 1974 Pennsylvania identifies more than 100 sites in DC for future Avenue Plan and subsequent PADC planning. In commemorative works and cultural attractions, addition, a number of plans and projects have a recognizing that the Reserve does not contain bearing on the future management and use of sufficient space to keep pace with our nation’s Pennsylvania Avenue. evolving history and the need to commemorate its culture, heroes, and history in the future (NCPC 2001). Five of these sites have been se- FEDERAL PLANS AND PROJECTS lected for new memorials, including the U.S. Air Architect of the Capitol Force Memorial and the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial. Sites identified along Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Avenue NW terminates on the Avenue include and the triangle grounds of the U.S. Capitol, which is under the jurisdiction of the Architect of the Capitol. The Capitol Complex Master Plan, which addresses the Capitol, the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. * As defined in the 2003 amendments to the Com- Botanic Garden, and the Library of Congress, is memorative Works Act, the reserve is the great cross- a long-range vision, master plan, and implemen- axis of public space that extends west from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, and from the White tation strategy for the maintenance, renovation, House to the . Congress declared and improvement of the Capitol complex over this area to be a substantially completed work of civic the next 20 years. The planning principles ad- art.

1 INTERRELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER PLANS AND PROJECTS at the intersection of Constitution and establish policies designed to make federal Pennsylvania Avenues. public spaces, campuses, and buildings more livable, functional, and sustainable. For Penn- The Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital: sylvania Avenue the draft policies state, Federal Elements creates a planning framework with the following guiding principles: (1) accom- Promote and maintain Pennsylvania Avenue modate federal and national activities, (2) re- between the U.S. Capitol and the as a multimodal street bordered by an inforce smart growth and sustainable develop- actively programmed, lively, pedestrian- ment and planning principles, and (3) support oriented public realm that maintains the local and regional planning and development avenue’s important reciprocal views. objectives (NCPC 2004a). NCPC and its partner agencies are currently reviewing the policies A draft of the Visitors & Commemoration Element established in the Federal Elements part of the of the Comprehensive Plan: Federal Elements was plan to ensure that they remain effective and released for public comment in January 2013. support the most recent planning initiatives. This draft element provides new and updated This update will also include the addition of a policies related to national commemoration and new urban design element, which is intended to other cultural attractions. The draft commemora- support recent work in improving federal build- tion policies affirm that “visually or culturally ing design and perimeter security, activating prominent sites . . . along Pennsylvania Avenue public spaces, and defining the role of federal [be reserved] for significant memorials of buildings and land in supporting the character of American history and culture” (NCPC 2013b). the national capital region. Visitors should be accommodated in a way that The draft of the new urban design element was ensures an enjoyable and educational experi- released for public review and comment in ence, showcases the institutions of American January 2013 (NCPC 2013a). This element will culture and democracy, and supports federal

Monumental Core Framework Plan Opportunities

2 Federal Plans and Projects and regional planning goals. Policies generally ture, and urban design. It should have attrac- include tive and animated city streets and public spaces; welcoming public buildings; flexible • protecting the monumental core (as de- and convenient public transit service; sus- scribed in the Legacy Plan and the Memo- tainable and accessible streets and buildings; rials and Museums Master Plan; NCPC and federal, local, and private development. 1997, 2001) The Monumental Core Framework Plan rec- • providing visitor services (indoor and out- ommends establishing a new destination door food service, retail) at appropriate midway along Pennsylvania Avenue and improving the public space along the avenue locations as well as throughout the Federal Triangle to • providing visitor orientation centers in link the with downtown different areas Washington (NCPC 2009). • supporting broad dissemination of infor- To help achieve this goal, the Framework Plan mation at locations frequented by tourists, recommends the development of a mixed-use such as hotel and transportation centers, destination on Pennsylvania Avenue at the Old and encouraging multilingual information Post Office and the J. Edgar Hoover Building, both of which are being addressed by GSA (see • balancing the needs of security and accessi- page 3). bility Related to access and circulation, a long-term • encouraging specialized learning vision in the Framework Plan is to provide new • encouraging visitor transportation and Metro station entries at the Navy–Archives– transit access, including shuttles to and Penn Quarter station (7th Street and Consti- from Metro stations; increasing awareness tution Avenue NW) and at the Federal Triangle about long-term parking facilities; support- station. On April 2, 2009, the Framework Plan ing better tour bus management in the was approved. The Pennsylvania Avenue monumental core; and increasing walking management plan has been coordinated with the development of the Framework Plan. • dispersing special events, promoting off- peak events, and coordinating events to The National Capital Urban Design and Security minimize disruption Plan for Washington’s monumental core and the The goals and objectives of this document are downtown focuses on perimeter building secur- compatible with the goals and policies of the ity to protect employees, visitors, and federal Comprehensive Plan and the proposed revisions. functions and property from threats by unau- thorized vehicles approaching or entering The Monumental Core Framework Plan: Con- sensitive buildings (NCPC 2002). It specifically necting New Destinations with the National Mall addresses the makeshift barriers and identifies is a joint effort of NCPC and the U.S. Commis- various security design solutions, including sion of Fine Arts (NCPC 2009). It advances the “hardened” street furniture and landscaped vision articulated in the Legacy plan by focusing planting walls, that can enhance local street- on areas around the city. The plan states, scapes, while still providing security. Security issues along Pennsylvania Avenue are further Situated between the National Mall and Wash- ington’s traditional downtown, Pennsylvania addressed by GSA in the 2012 draft “Federal Avenue and the Federal Triangle offer a Triangle Precinct Security Study” (see page 4). unique opportunity to integrate diverse aspects of Washington life. By featuring a mix National Park Service of activities and engaging public spaces, . . . Pennsylvania Avenue can strengthen its role as National Mall Plan America’s preeminent ceremonial boulevard. The National Mall Plan was completed in the fall This distinguished precinct should exhibit the of 2010 and is now being implemented. Actions purpose of the federal government, America’s called for in the plan include improvements to diverse national heritage, and the best of better accommodate the needs of First Amend- American art, architecture, landscape architec-

3 INTERRELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER PLANS AND PROJECTS ment demonstrations and special events; to The White House and President’s Park improve natural and cultural resource condi- The goal of the Comprehensive Design Plan for tions; to redesign the Sylvan Theater area of the the White House and President’s Park (NPS 2000) grounds and Constitu- is to improve the efficient functioning of the tion Gardens (both part of a design competition Office of the President, to preserve and enhance sponsored by the Trust for the National Mall), the symbolic and historic character of the site, as well as the Mall, the , and other and to improve the experience of the American areas; to facilitate access and circulation; to en- public and all visitors who come to the house, hance visitor experiences; and to improve park the grounds, and the surrounding President’s operations. Union Square was also included in Park. The plan emphasizes a pedestrian-oriented the National Mall Plan, but Congress transferred experience within President’s Park, and the jurisdiction of the site to the Architect of the White House Visitor Center in the Commerce Capitol in 2011. Building would be expanded. Any actions taken under the Pennsylvania Avenue management Tour Bus Study plan would complement the Comprehensive In 2012 NPS received a Paul S. Sarbanes Transit Design Plan for the White House and President’s in Parks grant from the Federal Transit Adminis- Park. tration to conduct a two-year study of bus oper- The Design Guidelines for the White House and ations in central Washington. The study will President’s Park (NPS 1997) provide a frame- make recommendations to improve tour bus work of mutually agreed upon tenets that guide, operations. The study is being coordinated with but do not dictate, future designs. The White the DC Department of Transportation, the House and President’s Park will continue to DowntownDC BID, and Destination DC. exhibit a sense of unity and to be an integral element of the urban fabric, with a direct con- Visitor Transportation Study nection to DC, the monumental core, and NPS prepared an Environmental Assessment for a Pennsylvania Avenue. Visitor Transportation Study for the National Mall and Surrounding Park Areas in 2006 (NPS U.S. Department of Transportation 2006). The study recommends a convenient visitor transportation service that will help The Tour Bus Management Initiative examines protect park resources and ensure high-quality the impact of tour buses, explores best practices, visitor experiences by offering a sustainable, identifies potential strategies, recommends educational, integrated, and affordable trans- counting methods and locations to get a better portation network for park visitors. At the time sense of the demand, and recommends the com- of the study, it was expected that the service pletion of a plan (US DOT 2003). The initiative would replace the interpretive hop-on / -off identifies a shortage of parking and loading/un- service known as Tourmobile, which has been loading space, associated traffic and safety replaced by an interim bus system. The plan pro- issues, adverse environmental impacts from poses an integrated, easy-to-use system with buses, and obstruction of view corridors. Some basic orientation and a choice of additional potential strategies include increased peripheral educational / interpretive services. NPS is parking outside the monumental core and working closely with the DC Department of downtown, centrally located parking facilities, Transportation to establish a public transit encouraging walking among clustered destina- Circulator bus route on the National Mall. All tions, pricing strategies for parking or per- visitor transportation service should be more mits/licenses, and defined routes and driver fa- frequent and at a lower cost. Additional con- cilities/shuttles between parking lots and hotels. venient stops should provide connections at The NPS tour bus study discussed previously Metro stations. All alternatives in this document will update the findings of the 2003 study. are consistent with the proposed transportation service.

4 DC Plans and Projects

U.S. General Services has completed compliance for the Old Post Administration Office building redevelopment (US GSA 2012b) and issued a “Finding of No Significant Impact” Federal Triangle Precinct Security Study in May 2013 (US GSA 2013). GSA would develop coordinated perimeter In 2013 NPS transfer the plaza in front of the security for federal buildings, as recommended Old Post Office and related sidewalks to GSA in the draft “Federal Triangle Precinct Security jurisdiction in order to expedite the redevelop- Study” (US GSA et al. 2012). The approved ment of the site, including public use along design for the U.S. Department of Commerce Pennsylvania Avenue. provides a model for future security measures.

J. Edgar Hoover Building DC PLANS AND PROJECTS In December 2012 GSA issued a request for Center City Action Agenda information to seek responses from the development community on exchanging the J. The DC Center City Action Agenda 2008 identi- Edgar Hoover Building (the present Federal fies challenges and actions needed to ensure the Bureau of Investigation headquarters) for a new, vitality and vibrancy of central Washington. It consolidated headquarters at another location in recognizes the great opportunity to develop the GSA National Capital Region (US GSA well-connected and distinct areas in a rapidly expanding downtown area. The plan recom- 2012a). This would leave a 6.7-acre site along Pennsylvania Avenue that could be redeveloped, mends investment in key places, corridors, and and the property, which is zoned for office, transit to ensure economic vitality, sustainability, retail, housing, mixed-use, and public buildings and cultural diversity (DC 2008). would be disposed of by GSA to the private sector. Redevelopment would be subject to the Bicycle Master Plan National Environmental Policy Act and compli- The District of Columbia Bicycle Master Plan ance with section 106 of the National Historic generally recommends more and better bicycle Preservation Act. facilities, including a bike route system with more bike facilities on roadways; more bicycle- Old Post Office Building friendly policies; and more bicycle-related The Old Post Office, which consists of approxi- education, promotion, and enforcement (DDOT mately 465,000 square feet, is listed on the 2005). Additionally, it suggests upgrades of National Register of Historic Places and is also a roadways and multi-use trails; improved bridge contributing element of Pennsylvania Avenue access; bike-friendly traffic calming (e.g., clearly NHS. GSA proposes to redevelop the building marked intersections); exclusive bus and bicycle under the authority of the Old Post Office lanes; and intersection safety and visibility Redevelopment Act of 2008 (PL 110-359). Fol- improvements to better accommodate bicycling. lowing an open competition, Trump Old Post One of the proposals of the plan that has been Office, LLC, was selected to redevelop the build- implemented throughout DC is Capital Bike- ing. As proposed, the project would convert the share. There are six stations on the National historic building and adjacent annex from a Mall and four stations near Pennsylvania Avenue combination of office and retail uses to a luxury (14th and D Street, 10th and Constitution, 10th hotel and conference facility. Access to the hotel and E Street, and 8th and D Street). would be provided from 11th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. In addition to guest rooms and suites, the complex would include two or Pedestrian Master Plan three restaurants, a spa, meeting and banquet The 2009 Pedestrian Master Plan identifies facilities, a gift shop, and the newly dedicated pedestrian potential, as well as problems to be Congress Bells Museum. The existing 315-foot addressed, such as walking along roadways and clock tower would continue to be open to the crossing roads (DDOT 2009). The plan recom- public through NPS-run tours and access. GSA mends improved pedestrian access and safety at

5 INTERRELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER PLANS AND PROJECTS controlled crossings and intersections to meet CapitalSpace envisions a beautiful, high-quality, the needs of pedestrians of all ability levels, as unified park system for the nation’s capital that well as programs that support pedestrian travel. • is safe and accessible to everyone who The related vision statement fits well with lives in, works in, or visits the city Pennsylvania Avenue plan objectives: • includes a variety of parks and open Washington, DC will be a city where any trip spaces that connect communities can be taken on foot safely and comfortably, and where roadways equally serve pedestri- • incorporates stewardship and celebration ans, bicyclists, transit users and motorists. or natural, cultural, commemorative, and historic spaces In accordance with recommendations in the Pedestrian Master Plan, pedestrian signals along • provides a diversity of active and passive Pennsylvania Avenue (5th to 13th Streets) were recreation adjusted to provide sufficient time to allow • contributes to a healthy, sustainable, and pedestrians to cross the roadway in one walk livable city signal. • serves as a national and international model of citizen engagement and DC’s Transit System Future Plan collaboration In partnership with the Washington Metropoli- The Pennsylvania Avenue management plan is tan Area Transit Authority, the DC Department compatible with these objectives. of Transportation is proposing a network of streetcar lines operating in corridors throughout DC. In most cases streetcars would share travel Planning Together for Central lanes with car traffic; however, in some cases, Washington streetcar vehicles could use available rights-of- Planning Together for Central Washington is a way and use exclusive transit-only lanes. The collaborative effort of the Architect of the Capi- proposed north-south corridor streetcar line is tol, the Commission of Fine Arts, DC, NCPC, planned to cross Pennsylvania Avenue. The and NPS to create a welcoming atmosphere with streetcar line in is under construction, well-connected public spaces, and beautiful, and the line on H Street NE is scheduled to distinguished places of enduring quality that are begin operation soon. green and sustainable (NCPC 2008). Each of these agencies has undertaken major planning INTERAGENCY PLANNING EFFORTS initiatives for central Washington, which pro- vide a framework to coordinate planning and CapitalSpace investment, thus ensuring that central Washing- ton continues to serve as a model for the nation Washington, D.C., has more than 7,650 acres of and the world through its cultural venues, its public parks, ranging from Rock Creek Park to architecture and open spaces, its vibrant walk- small neighborhood parks, playgrounds, and able neighborhoods and public transit, and its ballfields. NCPC, NPS, and DC have formed national and international presence. While each CapitalSpace to enhance existing plans for DC initiative reflects the mission and goals of its parks by coordinating initiatives to develop a sponsoring agency, the plans share core objec- citywide framework to achieve the full potential tives and implementation priorities. of a beautiful, high-quality, and unified park system (NCPC et al. 2008). All of the areas Common objectives that the agencies have managed by the National Mall and Memorial adopted include the following: Parks provide active and passive recreation. The CapitalSpace initiative includes maps that pro- • Welcoming Atmosphere — Create an atmos- vide a comprehensive analysis of access to phere that embraces local citizens and visi- various existing park resources, including active tors, statesmen, foreign dignitaries, and the recreation fields, natural resources, and passive global media. Celebrate the warmth of a recreation amenities. friendly town, the dignity of a seat of gov-

6 References Cited

ernment, and the vibrancy of a progressive The Pennsylvania Avenue management plan is international city. Provide opportunities for compatible with these objectives. the exchange of ideas, citizen action, enjoy- ment, and meaningful encounters and Washington Metropolitan Area events. Create public spaces that are attrac- Transit Authority tive year-round as well as programs and services that are accessible and easy to use. WMATA is currently addressing localized • Well-Connected Public Space — Create a flooding affecting transit grates in central distinguished and accessible public realm of Washington. enduring quality shaped by beautiful civic infrastructure, architecture, streets, parks, REFERENCES CITED and waterfronts. Connect destinations and overcome existing physical barriers with District of Columbia 2008 Center City Action Agenda 2008: Toward a walkable landscaped corridors, interpretive Vibrant, Global, Washington, DC. Wash- and wayfinding systems, and engaging ington, DC. http://planning.dc.gov/ views. Meet the highest standards for de- planning/frames.asp?doc=planning/lib/ sign, construction, and maintenance. planning/city-center_action_agenda/ • Distinctive Places — Create or renew neigh- the_opportunitiy.pdf (accessed Sept. 29, 2008). borhoods and public places to provide a mix of uses and experiences that are au- District of Columbia, Department of Transportation thentic, diverse, and reflect the city’s 2005 District of Columbia Bicycle Master Plan. history and culture. Devote attention and April. Washington, DC. infrastructure reinvestment to ensure that 2009 District of Columbia Pedestrian Master Plan the National Mall remains a destination 2009. Washington, DC. http://ddot.dc.gov/ worthy of its civic, historic, and symbolic DC/DDOT/On+Your+Street/Bicycles+and+ role in serving the city and the nation. Pedestrians/Pedestrians/Pedestrian+Master Refurbish historic government facilities and +Plan/Pedestrian+Master+Plan+2009 sites that serve the American people and (accessed Dec. 18, 2012). house the three branches of government. National Capital Planning Commission 1997 Extending the Legacy: Planning America’s • Green and Sustainable — Achieve a livable, Capital for the 21st Century. Washington, healthy, and sustainable environment with DC. clean air, water, and soil by using model development and maintenance practices. 2001 Memorials and Museums Master Plan. Apply an integrated ecological approach to Washington, DC. implement emission-control programs, plant 2002 The National Capital Urban Design and trees, preserve and connect open spaces, Security Plan. Washington, DC. http:// encourage green and sustainable building www.ncpc.gov/initiatives/pg.asp?p=ncudsp practices, reduce pollutants, conserve energy, (accessed Jan. 29, 2009). and reuse and recycle water and materials. 2004 Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital: Federal Elements. Washington, DC. • 21st Century Transportation — Establish a comprehensive, flexible, convenient, and 2008 Planning Together for Central Washington. coordinated network of public and visitor Brochure. Published in cooperation with the transit options — subway, light rail, streetcar, Architect of the Capitol, Commission of Fine bus, water taxi — linking central Washington Arts, Government of the District of Colum- bia, and National Park Service. Washington, destinations to support economic investment DC. http://www.ncpc.gov/UserFiles/File/ and environmental health. Upgrade public publication/Planning%20Together%20 infrastructure to encourage walking and Brochure.pdf (accessed Sept. 29, 2008). bicycling, and develop comprehensive travel demand management programs to reduce congestion, improve air quality, and address parking and tour bus issues.

7 INTERRELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER PLANS AND PROJECTS

2009 Monumental Core Framework Plan: Connect- U.S. Department of Transportation ing New Destinations with the National Mall. 2003 District of Columbia Tour Bus Management Washington, DC. http://www.ncpc .gov/ Intitiative. Prepared by the Volpe Transpor- initiatives/pg.asp?p=frameworkplan tation systems Center for the District De- (accessed May 27, 2009). partment of Transportation, National Capi- tal Planning, Commission, Wahsington Con- 2013a Federal Urban Design Element Draft Narra- vention and Tourism Corporation, Down- tive and Policies. Washington, DC. townDC Business Improvement District, and http://www.ncpc.gov/DocumentDepot/ Office of DC CouncilmemberSharon Planning/CompPlan/NCPC_DRAFT_urban_ Ambrose. Washington, DC. http://www.ddot design_element_and_policies.pdf (accessed .dc.gov/ddot/cwp/view ,a,1249,q,602549.asp Jan. 18, 2013). (accessed Dec. 29, 2008). 2013b Proposed Draft Visitors and Commemoration U.S. General Services Administration Element Updated Policies. Washington, DC. 2012a “GSA Seeks to Develop Federal Triangle http://www.ncpc.gov/DocumentDepot/ South Area and Consolidate FBI Head- Planning/CompPlan/DRAFT_Federal_ quarters.” News release. Washington, DC. Visitors_Commemoration_Element_Update http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/ 153151 _Clean_ Policies_.pdf (accessed Jan 18, (accessed Jan 15, 2013). 2013). 2012b Old Post Office Building Redevelopment: National Capital Planning Commission, National Park Environmental Assessment. Prepared in Service, and District of Columbia cooperation with the National Capital 2008 CapitalSpace: A Park System for the Nation’s Planning Commission. Washington, DC. Capital. http://www.ncpc.gov/initiatives/ pg.asp?p=parksandopenspace (accessed 2013 Old Post Office Building Redevelopment: Final Sept. 26, 2008). Supplemental Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact. Washing- National Park Service, U.S. Department of the ton, DC. Interior 1997 Design Guidelines, The White House and U.S. General Services Administration, Interagency President’s Park. Washington, DC. Security Committee, and the National Capital Planning Commission 2000 Comprehensive Design Plan, The White House 2012 “Federal Triangle Precinct Security Study.” and President’s Park. Washington, DC. Draft report. Interagency Security Task 2006 Environmental Assessment: Washington, D.C., Force. Washington, DC. Visitor Transportation Study for the National

Mall and Surrounding Park Areas. Denver Service Center. http://parkplanning.nps.gov/ documentsList.cfm?parkId=427&projectId =17349.

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