Freer Gallery of Art Improve Courtyard Accessibility

1050 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington DC

Comments on Concept Plans

Smithsonian Institution

1 NationalJuly 9, 2020 Capital | File: Planning 8182 Commission File: 8182 Project Summary

Commission Meeting Date: July 9, 2020

NCPC Review Authority: 40 U.S.C. § 8722(b)(1) and (d)

Applicant Request: Comments on Concept Plans

Session: Consent Calendar

NCPC Review Officer: Matthew Flis

NCPC File Number: 8182 Project Summary: The Smithsonian Institution has submitted concept plans for the proposed addition of an ADA-compliant sloped walkway to the courtyard of the Freer Gallery of Art, providing an accessible route from the west loggia down to the lower courtyard level. The project will also renew the waterproofing system that underlies the courtyard which requires the replacement of the existing plantings. Construction of the original museum building began in 1916 and concluded in 1923 when it was opened to the public. The museum is located on the National Mall southwest of the Smithsonian Castle at the intersection Jefferson Drive and 12th Street SW.

2 National Capital Planning Commission File: 8182 Project Summary

Currently the courtyard is closed to the public because no accessible route allows visitors to reach the courtyard. Although both the east and west loggia are open, the steps leading down to the courtyard are blocked. The proposed sloped walkway begins its descent from an extended stair landing on the west loggia and terminates at a landing on the north side of the courtyard. The design and approval process will be ongoing through January of 2021. Construction will begin in May of 2021 and the Courtyard will reopen in the Spring of 2022 in time for the museum’s 2023 centennial celebrations.

3 National Capital Planning Commission File: 8182 Site Location

LocationLocation Map Map

4 National Capital Planning Commission File: 8182 Project Location

5 National Capital Planning Commission File: 8182 Existing Conditions

6 National Capital Planning Commission File: 8182 Existing Conditions - Accessibility

7 National Capital Planning Commission File: 8182 Existing Conditions

8 National Capital Planning Commission File: 8182 Evolution of Courtyard

9 National Capital Planning Commission File: 8182 Existing Landscape

10 National Capital Planning Commission File: 8182 Accessible Route

11 National Capital Planning Commission File: 8182 Existing Courtyard Plan

12 National Capital Planning Commission File: 8182 Proposed Courtyard Plan

13 National Capital Planning Commission File: 8182 Project Section – North/South

14 National Capital Planning Commission File: 8182 Project Section – East/West

15 National Capital Planning Commission File: 8182 Existing Courtyard Landcape

16 National Capital Planning Commission File: 8182 Proposed Landscape Plan

17 National Capital Planning Commission File: 8182 Preliminary Planting Palette

18 National Capital Planning Commission File: 8182 Project Rendering

19 National Capital Planning Commission File: 8182 Project Rendering

20 National Capital Planning Commission File: 8182 Project Rendering

21 National Capital Planning Commission File: 8182 Project Rendering

22 National Capital Planning Commission File: 8182 Overhead View

23 National Capital Planning Commission File: 8182