1、 NCPC/CFA33 MONUMENTAL CORE FRAM EWO R K P LA N Framework ProposalsThe Monumental Core Framework Plan establishes new destinations near the National Mall, thereby transforming key precincts into desirable settings for commemoration, recreation, and mixed-use activities in the nations capital. In add2、ition to creating new destinations, the Framework Plan connects these areas with one another, the National Mall, the waterfront, and the rest of the city through a cohesive network of walkable corridors and green spaces, and a broader range of transit options. The Framework Plan enhances existing ar3、eas and guides new development to meet the needs of the federal government, enrich the citys public realm, and repair the urban fabric. These rejuvenated precincts will better accommodate federal offices, memorials, and cultural facilities, and will be animated by a variety of day and evening activi4、ties to enhance the livability of local and federal Washington. ”“The voyage of discovery lies not in finding new landscapes, but in having new eyes. - Marcel ProustThe Framework Plan proposes a series of strategies in each precinct that collectively integrate the monumental core into the fabric of 5、the city. The primary strategies, which are supported by specific recommendations, include: Transforming the 10th Street corridor and reclaiming Maryland Avenue in the Southwest Rectangle to connect the Mall with the waterfront. Redesigning and programming Potomac Park to enhance the waterfront expe6、rience. Connecting the Kennedy Center with the White House, Presidents Park, and the Lincoln Memorial by extending the commemorative landscape of the National Mall through the Northwest Rectangle. Increasing the mix of uses and improving the public realm along Pennsylvania Avenue and within the Fede7、ral Triangle to connect downtown with the National Mall. 34M O N UM E N TAL CORE F RA MEWORK PLA N 35 MONUMENTAL CORE FRAM EWO R K P LA N The Southwest Rectangle can be reborn as a lively and sustainable urban center connecting the citys downtown core with the National Mall and the Potomac riverfron8、t. The areas proximity to the Mall and its role as a center of federal employment provides an ideal density of visitors and workers to support a living downtown. The key proposals for achieving this vision include redeveloping 10th Street as a vibrant mixed-use corridor between the Mall and the wate9、rfront; reestablishing Maryland Avenue as a grand boulevard between the U.S. Capitol and the Jefferson Memorial; and improving connections throughout the precinct by restoring the shattered street grid.The Monumental Core Framework Plan proposes maintaining the Southwest Rectangle as a major federal10、 workplace, increasing federal office space while also integrating additional uses to improve the livability of the precinct. For example, redeveloped parcels along 10th Street could house federal offices, with shops, services, public amenities, and cultural institutions while accomodating federal s11、ecurity needs. Air-rights space over decked highways, and smaller, odd-shaped parcels, could be used for additional private development, including housing, hotels, and office space.The transformed precinct would offer open green spaces recovered from intrusive rail and highway infrastructure, tree-l12、ined streets with commanding views to the National Mall and the waterfront, and cultural and commemorative destinations attracting Washington visitors and local residents. Through efficient redevelopment there can be ample space for new federal offices, shops, housing, public spaces, and a connected13、 street network. The Framework Plan also identifies four potential locations in the precinct for nationally significant museums comparable to those on the Mall: at the 10th Street Overlook; in a portion of the redeveloped Forrestal complex; at the Department of the Treasurys Liberty Loan Building; a14、nd in the Department of Agricultures Whitten Building. Connect the Mall with the Waterfront THE SOUTHWEST RECTANGLENCPC/CFA, ILLUSTRATION BY MICHAEL MCCANN CONNECT THE MALL WITH THE WATERFRONT THE SOUTHWEST RECTANGLE 36M O N UM E N TAL CORE F RA MEWORK PLA N ContextWith its shipping wharves and mili15、tary arsenals, Southwest Washington became a working-class neighborhood, home to a diverse mix of land uses, residents, housing, and income levels. Substandard living conditions were commonplace, and by the 1930s there were widespread calls for radical changes. Much of Southwest Washington was razed16、 by one of the nations most ambitious urban renewal programs in the middle of the 20th century, with the demolition of more than 400 acres of small businesses and row houses displacing more than 23,000 people. The new Southwest Freeway divided the area into an office precinct to the north and a resi17、dential neighborhood to the south. The freeway and its ramps became physical and perceptual barriers that interrupted the street grid and impeded mobility. Numerous proposals were made to improve the Southwest and Southeast neighborhoods. The plan that was implemented included an elevated 10th Stree18、t later renamed LEnfant Promenade, flanked by large modern government buildings and terminating in a circular overlook. The construction of these and other buildings created a federal enclave built in the austere International Style. Some of these modern buildings may be considered as landmarks wort19、hy of preservation, such as the recently designated U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development headquarters designed by Marcel Breuer. However, the dominating presence of superblock buildings obstructs vistas, saps street life, suppresses retail activity, and is devoid of green space. One of t20、he largest of these structures, the Forrestal Building, spans 10th Street and effectively separates the National Mall and the core of the District from the waterfront. The massive scale of 10th Street is unwelcoming to pedestrians, and its monochromatic landscape, punctuated by vast empty plazas, di21、scourages movement along the street. A unique feature of the Southwest Rectangle is that the area between 9th and 12th Streets operates on multiple levels. The upper street level provides primary access to building entrances, while a more utilitarian lower level accommodates rail lines, parking, and22、 service vehicles, similar to downtown Chicago. Southwest Washington currently contains six federal agency headquarters, 12 million square feet of federal office space, and an estimated 70,000 federal workers. Approximately half of the land is federally owned, and most of the privately owned parcels23、 are leased to federal agencies or contractors. Many buildings do not occupy the full capacity of their site and do not offer accessible uses at the street level, contributing to the unfriendly pedestrian environment. The precinct is also almost entirely built or paved, contributing to the Districts24、 urban heat gain and funneling significant amounts of stormwater runoff into its antiquated sewer system. Despite the challenges created by mid-century redevelopment, renewed interest in the area can be seen in the recent construction of the Portals complex, the planning for the President Dwight D. 25、Eisenhower Memorial, the modernization of the Nassif Building that formerly housed the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the Districts redevelopment of the Southwest Waterfront and other nearby projects.37 MONUMENTAL CORE FRAM EWO R K P LA N The Framework Plan proposal for the Southwest Rectang26、le.Aerial view of the Southwest Rectangle.Key ImprovementsRedefine 10th StreetA. as an inviting, lively, mixed-use corridor that connects the National Mall to the waterfront, using state-of-the-art sustainable redevelopment practices.Restore Maryland Avenue B. as a grand urban boulevard that links t27、he U.S. Capitol to the Jefferson Memorial while enhancing mobility and environmental quality. Repair the Urban FabricC. by restoring the street grid, decking over highways, and redeveloping superblocks to improve the public realm, integrate open space, increase development density, and improve the m28、ix of uses.ABCProposed Rail CorridorVehicular / PedestrianCirculation EnhancementsOpen Space / Public RealmEnhancementMetro TunnelPedestrian CirculationEnhancementInfill DevelopmentOpportunity EnvelopeReuse OpportunityVehicular TunnelRiparian EdgeEnhancementDevelopment OpportunityArchitect of the Ca29、pitolPlans in ProgressMemorials and MuseumsMaster Plan SiteExpanded Marina ActivitiesAdditional Commemorative Opportunity SiteC C C C C C C C C CB B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B30、 B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B BBA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A31、 A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AAC15th St.14th St.12th St.9th St.7th St.4th St.3rd St.10th St.Maryland Ave.Virginia AveF St.Southwest FreewayIndependence Ave.The National MallC St.Delaware Ave32、Tidal BasinRes. 113U.S. CapitolWashington MonumentNCPC/CFA CONNECT THE MALL WITH THE WATERFRONT THE SOUTHWEST RECTANGLE 38M O N UM E N TAL CORE F RA MEWORK PLA N The Framework Plan proposes narrowing 10th Streetto more closely reflect its original width, restoringa human scale to the street and enha33、ncing thepedestrian experience. Because of its prominence,the corridor provides opportunities to commemoratePierre LEnfant, Benjamin Banneker, and others. TheFramework Plan also recommends inserting additional infill development and redevelopment to energize the corridor and maximize its development34、 capacity.The area above the LEnfant Plaza Metrorail station and shopping center also provides an opportunity to increase the amount of mixed-use development. This will help to create day, evening, and weekend activity. Additionally, redesign of the U.S. Postal Service headquarters building, located35、 south of Maryland Avenue could also increase the developable area, providing opportunities for street-level retail or cultural uses to fully energize the street life. The 10th Street corridor could be the next great destination in the city if the street were designed at a comfortable pedestrian sca36、le with a vibrant mix of uses and improved amenities.Redefine 10th StreetThe section of 10th Street that runs south fromthe National Mall to its terminus at an overlook known as Banneker Park should be remade as a mixed-use cultural boulevard without reducing owned or leased federal office space. Th37、e street could become Washingtons newest destination, anchored by museums at either end and lined with street-level restaurants, shops, and open space. It could offer an appropriate setting for national commemoration and culture with a diverse array of day, evening, and weekend activities.Near 10th 38、Street on the National Mall, theSmithsonians iconic Arts and Industries Buildingcurrently lies vacant but could be rehabilitatedas a highly visible visitor or cultural center. The U.S. Department of Agricultures neoclassical Whitten Building, also prominently located on the National Mall, could be r39、eused to extend the line of culturalinstitutions along the Mall. This would requirespecial congressional appropriation to relocate the headquarters to another suitable site within themonumental core or the District.Redesign of the Forrestal complex and environs could provide an opportunity to develo40、p 20-acres showcasing sustainable urban design and high-performance infrastructure, building, and landscape practices. Current view of 10th Street, looking at the Forrestal Building and north toward the Smithsonian Castle.FORRESTAL BUILDING COMPLEX The reuse of abuilding is a large-scale form of rec41、ycling; however, in certain situations, redeveloping a site may have greater benefits. To address inefficient development patterns, inflexible designs, or aging facilities, rebuilding can be more sustainableparticularly if it involves infill development that is compact, walkable, mixed-use, and tran42、sit-friendly, and built to the highest standards for green performance. Such is the case with a number of buildings within the Forrestal complex on Independence Avenue.A redesign of the Forrestal complex is critical to unlocking the potential of the corridor and reconnecting the National Mall with t43、he waterfront. At a minimum, it would require removing the section spanning 10th Street and fully developing the six-block area to the south and west. If developed more efficiently, the 20-acre area between Independence and Maryland Avenues, and 9th and 12th Streets could yield an increase of over t44、wo million square feet of space. The new space could accommodate federal offices as well as cultural, hospitality, residential, and retail uses.New and existing federal buildings can be enlivened with sidewalk cafes, visitor centers, cultural venues, and gardens.COURTESY OF MICROSOFT MAPSNCPC/CFA, I45、LLUSTRATION BY MICHAEL MCCANNNCPC/CFA, ILLUSTRATION BY MICHAEL MCCANN39 MONUMENTAL CORE FRAM EWO R K P LA N 10th Street can become a lively urban corridor punctuated by a nationally significant cultural institution at the overlook, linking the Smithsonian Castle on the National Mall to the waterfron46、t. Current view of 10th Street at Independence Avenue, looking south at the Forrestal Building and toward the waterfront overlook.While adaptive reuse of portions of the site shouldbe evaluated, redevelopment of this complex offersthe greatest opportunity to create a more compact,pedestrian-friendly47、, and environmentally sustainable urban form. It could also restore the street grid by opening local streets such as Virginia Avenue, 11th Street, and C Street. Redesign of this area would not only accommodate desired activites and street life, but it would also restore views and establish a signifi48、cant symbolic connection between the National Mall and the 10th Street Overlook located at the terminus of the street.Maximizing the development potential of this site would promote the use of public transit, given its proximity to the Smithsonian and LEnfant Plaza Metrorail stations and the Virgini49、a Railway Express. Redevelopment is also an opportunity to demonstrate the federal governments leadership in high-performance sustainable urban design and green building practices, which is ultimately necessary to reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier urban environment.EDAWNCPC/C50、FA, ILLUSTRATION BY EDAW CONNECT THE MALL WITH THE WATERFRONT THE SOUTHWEST RECTANGLE 40M O N UM E N TAL CORE F RA MEWORK PLA N Imagining a Great Street Moving south from the Smithsonian Castle on the National Mall, one would be inspired by both the compelling beauty of the Enid Haupt Garden and the51、 grandeur of the 10th Street vista. Crossing Independence Avenue would bring the aroma of streetfront cafes and the hum of conversation. Emerging from the shaded alle of trees, one would cross Maryland Avenue, catching a glimpse of the U.S. Capitol and admiring a beautiful memorial at the intersecti52、ons center.At the crest of 10th Street, a visitor might take a moment to appreciate an outdoor art exhibit in one of the nearby plazas or get something to drink before proceeding to Banneker Park. Once there, one could review that evenings events at the adjacent museum or sit by the fountain and tak53、e in the panoramic view of the Washington Channel below. A quick descent of the grand staircase would lead to ships, markets, and other attractions at the new Southwest Waterfront neighborhood. Redevelop the Forrestal complex to 1. include a mix of uses, including cultural institutions, additional f54、ederal office space, and public amenities.Create a mixed-use destination at the 2. 10th Street Overlook anchored by an iconic cultural destination, an engaging civic space, and an improved fountain within Banneker Park.Deck over the Southwest Freeway 3. to create a new F Street and new developable s55、ites.Encourage phased air-rights 4. development in concert with infrastructure improvements.Redesign the U.S. Postal Service 5. Building to increase developable area and provide street-level retail for federal workers and visitors.Infill LEnfant Plaza with private 6. mixed-use development.Reestablis56、h C Street, 11th Street, 7. and Virginia Avenue.COURTESY OF SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTIONCOURTESY OF GORSE FOXEDAWEDAWGrand stairs can be destinations for people-watching. (Rome, Italy)Gardens can provide respite between destinations. (Washington, DC)Intersections can become engaging outdoor spaces. (Barc57、elona, Spain)Spectacular fountains can engage adults and children alike. (Atlanta, GA)Framework Plan proposal for the 10th Street corridor.13546210th St.Virginia AveF St.C St.D St.11th St.Independence Ave.Maine Ave.Maryland Ave.COURTESY OF GORSE FOXEDAWA AEDAWA ACOURTESY OF SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION3N58、CPC/CFA, ILLUSTRATION BY EDAW41 MONUMENTAL CORE FRAM EWO R K P LA N As a destination and a vantage point, the 10th Street Overlook can link the National Mall to a new Southwest Waterfront neighborhood and to Potomac Park. WATERFRONT OVERLOOK A key feature of the Framework Plan is the development of 59、the 10th Street Overlook at Banneker Park. The location and topography of the site offers an impressive setting, ideally positioning it to support a prominent cultural institution. Aligned with the Smithsonian Castle on the National Mall, a cultural venue at this dramatic and memorable overlook woul60、d anchor the 10th Street axis and command a monumental and inspiring presence from the Potomac River and its shores. A grand terraced staircase connecting the 10th Street Overlook to the waterfront can become an important civic feature as well. As the threshold to the Washington Channel, these terra61、ces will be well-traveled, offering a unique opportunity for commemoration and providing sweeping views of the river and Potomac Park. While at a grand scale, the staircase can still provide intimate, shaded seating areas at its edges and incorporate smaller water features and public art at various 62、levels. The change in elevation also presents a range of opportunities to incorporate appropriate uses below and above grade. Street-level retail, cultural, and hotel uses could be accomodated above grade at the higher elevation on 10th Street and at the lower elevation along Maine Avenue. This woul63、d complement the District of Columbias planned mixed-use neighborhood along the Southwest Waterfront and establish a walkable corridor between the Mall and the Washington Channel. This destination would be the focal point of a mixed-use air-rights development over the Southwest Freeway. A cluster of64、 residential, office, and entertainment venues could surround a new Banneker Park fountain and plaza, and be built in phases over time. Initial development could take place east of the 10th Street corridor including the area over the existing freeway. Subsequent development west of the corridor coul65、d be completed as roadway infrastructure upgrades allow. As the Francis Case Bridge comes to the end of its serviceable life, the Southwest Freeway and 12th Street expressway ramps can be rerouted to allow more appropriate urban development. Current view from the 10th Street Overlook, looking southw66、est toward the Washington Channel and Potomac Park.A mix of marine, commercial, and recreational uses can activate the waterfront. (Seattle, WA)EDAWCOURTESY OF PO FONGNCPC/CFA, ILLUSTRATION BY MICHAEL MCCANN CONNECT THE MALL WITH THE WATERFRONT THE SOUTHWEST RECTANGLE 42M O N UM E N TAL CORE F RA ME67、WORK PLA N Restore Maryland AvenueThe prominence of Maryland Avenuea symbolically important LEnfant street that is the geometric twin of Pennsylvania Avenueshould be restored by enhancing its existing public spaces and strengthening views along the corridor. Most importantly, the rail line that now 68、dominates the street should be decked or realigned to reconnect the street grid and to restore Maryland Avenue as an urban boulevard focused on the U.S. Capitol.Improving the public realm along Maryland Avenue would contribute several open spaces to Washingtons system of parks and plazas. The curren69、tly planned President Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial will mark Maryland Avenues arrival at the National Mall as a significant visitor destination. Reservation 113, at the intersection of Maryland and Virginia Avenues, should be revived as the central open space of the corridor, offering a welcome pub70、lic amenity in the heart of the Southwest Rectangle. The intersection of Maryland Avenue and 10th Street offers a significant commemorative opportunity, and the avenues current western terminus can be redesigned to improve its link with the Jefferson Memorial by providing an overlook plaza and pedes71、trian walkway between the elevated Maryland Avenue and the lower grade of the tidal basin on the National Mall. Maintaining pedestrian circulation at grade, rather than across bridges, will help to link the Southwest Rectangle to the Tidal Basin and the waterfront. Along the avenue, infill developme72、nt can strengthenthe street wall to better frame views toward the U.S. Capitol, increase opportunities for federal office space and a mix of private uses, and enhance street-level activity. In addition to the Forrestal complex redevelopment opportunities, there are several locations for infill devel73、opment along Maryland Avenue. For instance, the Cotton Annex and the building yard south of the current Federal Aviation Administration both offer compelling redevelopment opportunities.The width of Maryland Avenues right-of-way would support a complete and sustainable street, including a wide, plan74、ted median to reduce and slow stormwater runoff flowing into the sewer system; dedicated bicycle and transit lanes to help reduce dependence on cars; and new street trees to help reduce urban heat gain. RESERVATION 113 Reservation 113, prominentlylocated at the intersection of Maryland and Virginia 75、Avenues between 7th and 9th Streets, is the geometric complement to the Navy Memorial plaza on Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. The site has been marginalized by rail, highway, and building construction over the years, resulting in a discontinuous local street grid. The federal office buildings bordering Re76、servation 113 also do not encourage public use.The Framework Plan proposes reclaiming the reservation as an important component of the publicrealm by enlarging the open space to accommodatepublic amenities and commemorative elements, andby improving circulation. While the sites topographyposes chall77、enges for its design, it does allow a connection to the LEnfant Plaza transportation hub and active street-level uses, which will ensure its vibrancy. To realize the full potential of Reservation 113, the railroad tracks should be shifted further south, which can be accomplished in conjunction with 78、the planned construction of new track within the corridor. This shift would require the redesign or redevelopment of the General Services Administration Regional Office Building.Deck the rail line to reclaim Maryland Avenue as a 1. complete and sustainable street.Develop Reservation 113 as a premier79、 public park.2. Create an overlook and pedestrian connection to 3. the Tidal Basin.Develop the Cotton Annex site with a mix of uses.4. Develop the Federal Aviation Administration 5. building yard with uses supporting ground-floor retail.Redevelop the Liberty Loan Building as a premier 6. cultural de80、stination with ground-floor amenities.Deck the 9th Street tunnel between Independence 7. Avenue and D Street to reestablish 9th Street.Deck the freeway tunnel to reestablish 11th 8. and 12th Streets between Independence Avenue and F Street.Realign 15th Street to connect with 9. a new F Street.Presid81、ent Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial, 10. currently under design development. 11045632Framework Plan proposal for the Maryland Avenue corridor.789F St.Independence Ave.12th St.10th St.9th St.7th St.Virginia AveMaryland Ave.NCPC/CFA43 MONUMENTAL CORE FRAM EWO R K P LA N Reestablishing Maryland Avenue wi82、th a series of civic spaces and developing vacant parcels will anchor a new neighborhood along an important LEnfant avenue, connecting the Jefferson Memorial with the U.S. Capitol. Current view of the rail line along Maryland Avenue, looking northeast toward Reservation 113 and the U.S. Capitol.Tunn83、eling the rail line and reclaiming historic Reservation 113 will create a prominent civic place at the intersection of Maryland and Virginia Avenues on the 8th Street axis within view of the Washington Monument to the northwest and the U.S. Capitol to the northeast. Realigning the rail line could al84、low four tracks to accommodate freight and passenger rail lines.EDAWNCPC/CFA, ILLUSTRATION BY EDAWNCPC/CFA, SECTION BY EDAW CONNECT THE MALL WITH THE WATERFRONT THE SOUTHWEST RECTANGLE 44M O N UM E N TAL CORE F RA MEWORK PLA N As currently configured, the entire SouthwestRectangle acts as a barrier 85、between the National Mall and the waterfront and is very difficult to navigate. This is primarily due to interruptions to the local street grid caused by the Southwest Freeway and its ramps, the rail lines along Maryland and Virginia Avenues, and the single-use superblock federal office buildings. T86、he result is an urban character that deters exploration and an unsustainable urban form that precludes ease of mobility and optimal use of valuable urban land. It squanders prime opportunities to provide the services and mix of uses to support the National Mall, the federal workplace, and the citys 87、economy.Repair the Urban FabricReclaiming the grid, improving the streetscape, andintroducing a mix of uses throughout the precinct,in addition to improving 10th Street and MarylandAvenue, would provide more complete, continuous, and pedestrian-friendly streets offering multiple connections between 88、the National Mall and the waterfront. Infill development, including residential and hotel uses, and the insertion of new green spaces would improve the livability of this neighborhood and encourage visitors, workers, and residents to move through and around the area.STREETSCAPE AND TRANSIT Rail and 89、highwaytransportation networks enable movement through an area, but unfortunately have adversely affected mobility within this precinct. Local mobility can be greatly improved by modifying or removing the offending infrastructure. These changes will not only improve the streetscape but may also faci90、litate a more efficient regional transportation network.For example, the existing rail alignment west of Reservation 113 could be depressed and shifted slightly southward in the Maryland Avenue corridor. East of Reservation 113 it could continue on a well-designed elevated trestle in the Virginia Av91、enue corridor. This could be coordinated with improvements to the LEnfant Plaza regional rail station and to various corridor improvements already planned by the CSX Corporation. Also, significant below-grade space under 10th Street is available for development as an intermodal transfer station link92、ed to the LEnfant Plaza Metrorail station. It would be possible at this hub to make connections between regional rail, Metrorail, and local buses. In addition, it could be an ideal location for tour bus parking and both commuter and visitor parking because it would provide easy transfer to local tra93、nsportation and convenient access to the National Mall.The Southwest Freeway and its access ramps now cut major trenches through the precinct. The Framework Plan proposes decking a portion of the freeway to reestablish F Street between 7th Street and 14th Street, and decking the access ramps along 994、th, 11th, and 12th Streets. This proposal would reestablish continuous streets and buildable city blocks, improve the streetscape for pedestrians and local traffic, and enhance mobility. Decking the freeway would also offer the opportunity for mixed-use private development in the air-rights space al95、ong the F Street corridor and over the 12th Street ramp. Connecting the reestablished F Street with a realigned 15th Street would improve access throughout the area and provide opportunities for street-level activities on the north side of Maine Avenue across from the waterfront.The Framework Plan a96、lso recommends streetscape improvements and the addition of green spaces Realign and tunnel I-395 under the Washington 1. Channel to remove a significant barrier near the Jefferson Memorial, creating public gathering and recreation space.Extend the I-395 entry/exit tunnels to connect with 2. 9th and97、 12th Streets and to the Southwest Freeway to better distribute traffic across the city and restore the street grid above.Realign the 14th Street Bridge and construct a 3. tunnel for local traffic to access downtown and improve connections across the land bridge.Shift the railroad tracks slightly to98、 allow the restoration 4. of Maryland Avenue and Reservation 113.Illustration of street-level improvements. EDAWLEGENDProposed Metro TunnelProposed Rai road TunnelNORTHProposed Highway TunnelExisting Tunnel1234Diagram of proposed tunnels that could improve street-level development and connectivity.199、5th St.14th St.12th St.9th St.7th St.Maryland Ave.Maine Ave.C St.Tidal BasinRes. 113Jefferson MemorialWashington MonumentSouthwest FreewayThe National Mall22EDAW45 MONUMENTAL CORE FRAM EWO R K P LA N throughout the precinct. For example, along the eastern edge of Reservation 113, 7th Street runs fro100、m Silver Spring, Maryland to the Southwest Waterfront, as one of the precincts few existing continuous streets. This important street could be redesigned as a tree-lined connection accommodating pedestrians, bicyclists, and mass transit users, as well as motorized vehicles.THE RAIL LINE In Pierre LE101、nfants plan, the area south of the National Mall received its full share of grand Washington avenues, impressive civic spaces, and open vistas. However, railroad infrastructure undermined LEnfants vision for this part of Washington as early as the Civil War when tracks were laid along Maryland Avenu102、e, SW. For nearly 150 years, these tracks have served key passenger and freight routes along the eastern seaboard. Today, freight and passenger trains share the same alignment until 2nd Street, SW, where the passenger trains head north toward Union Station and freight traffic continues along Virgini103、a Avenue toward the Anacostia River and Maryland.The rail line obliterates large stretches of Maryland and Virginia Avenues, interrupting neighborhoods, hemming in surrounding streets with looming infrastructure, and blocking nearly all views to the waterfront and the monumental core. The tracks als104、o intrude on the historically significant Reservation 113, which LEnfant imagined as an attractive civic space. Rail transport of potentially hazardous freight through the District poses a safety and security risk to the nearby U.S. Capitol, to densely populated residential neighborhoods, and to fed105、eral and local work centers employing an estimated 100,000 workers. The current rail network also presents obstacles to efficient rail travel. The shared northbound and southbound commuter rail platform at LEnfant Plaza, and the single track within the low Virginia Avenue tunnel, result in bottlenec106、ks and preclude double-stacking rail cars. The 2002 Mid-Atlantic Rail Operations Study identified this as one of the major obstacles to accommodating growth in passenger and freight rail service along the east coast. Rerouting freight rail traffic away from the monumental core is one solution that w107、ould address security concerns while at the same time increase the capacity of the passenger line to help reduce regional and local roadway congestion.In 2007, NCPC and the District Department of Transportation completed a feasibility study of alternative freight rail corridors in the region. The st108、udy considered several options, including tunneling under the Potomac River and through the District, or bypassing the District altogether to reroute freight rail through Virginia or Maryland. According to the study, realigning the rail outside the District would resolve numerous freight, land devel109、opment, and long-term security issues, thereby offering significant improvements throughout the area. Further analysis of alternatives will require extensive public input and a coordinated effort by the District, the states, and the rail companies to determine environmental impacts, public and priva110、te benefits, projected costs, and funding sources.While the Framework Plan acknowledges the benefits of rerouting freight rail traffic, reclaiming Maryland Avenue could be realized even if the service is not relocated. The two tracks could be increased to four tracksto accommodate freight and passen111、ger raillowered, shifted slightly south, and decked over to reestablish the avenue. Other improvements that are currently planned by CSX in this area include increasing the capacity of the Virginia Avenue freight rail tunnel and modifying the commuter rail station at LEnfant Plaza to accommodate two112、-way traffic. LEGENDPassenger/Freight LinePassenger/Freight Line (Tunnel)NORTHFreight LineFreight Line (Tunnel)Passenger Line Passenger Line (Tunnel) Rail Corridor to be abandonedDiagram of proposed realignment of railroad tracks that could create space for the proposed Jefferson Memorial Festival G113、rounds and reestablishment of Maryland Avenue. Decking over highways and rail lines can create opportunities for pedestrian-friendly open spaces and new development. NCPCEDAW46M O N UM E N TAL CORE F RA MEWORK PLA N 47 MONUMENTAL CORE FRAM EWO R K P LA N Potomac Park can be reimagined as a unique Wa114、shington destination: a prestigious location extending from the National Mall; a setting of extraordinary beauty and sweeping waterfront vistas; an opportunity for active uses and peaceful solitude; a resource with extensive acreage for multiple uses; and a shoreline that showcases environmental ste115、wardship. Located at the edge of a dense urban center, Potomac Park should be an easily accessible place that provides opportunities for water-oriented recreation, commemoration, and celebration in a setting that preserves the scenic landscape. The park offers great potential to relieve pressure on 116、the historic and fragile open space of the National Mall, a vulnerable resource that is increasingly overburdened with demands for large public gatherings, active sport fields, everyday recreation, and new memorials. Potomac Park and its shoreline should offer a range of activities for the enjoyment117、 of all. Some areas should accommodate festivals, concerts, and competitive recreational activities, while other areas should be quiet and pastoral to support picnics under a tree, paddling on the river, and other leisure pastimes. The park should be connected with the region and with local neighbor118、hoods.Enhance the Waterfront Experience POTOMAC PARKEDAWENHANCE THE WATERFRONT EXPERIENCE POTOMAC PARK48M O N UM E N TAL CORE F RA MEWORK PLA N Context Potomac Park is a relatively recent addition to Washington. In the early years of the city it was an area of tidal marshes. As upstream forests were119、 cut and agricultural activity increased, the Potomac River deposited greater amounts of silt around the developing city. Eventually this stagnant muddy area, “the Potomac Flats,” became a breeding ground for disease-bearing mosquitoes and a significant barrier to maritime commerce.In the 1880s, the120、 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dredged the river, reopening it to navigation and creating two tracts of land totaling more than 600 acres. The southern portion was an island called East Potomac Park and the northern portion was an extension of the National Mall called West Potomac Park. The Tidal Bas121、in was constructed between these two tracts with gates to regulate water circulation through the channel.Congress dedicated East Potomac Park in 1897 and ordered that it be “forever held and used as a park for the recreation and pleasure of the people.” Improvements to East Potomac Park eventually f122、ollowed, including cherry trees, a perimeter roadway, and a golf course. By 1925, all of East Potomac Park was used for recreation purposes. Congress strengthened its support for the parks use as a place for recreation and leisure when it prohibited museums in the park in 2001.Nearly 275 of the park123、s 330 acres are used for recreation. Three public golf courses offer convenient, affordable play and are served by an ancillary clubhouse. This area also contains a public swimming pool and tennis courts that draw about 11,000 players annually. Hains Point, a 15 acre open green space occupies the so124、uthern tip of the park. A crumbling waterfront walkway follows the perimeter of the park. Ohio Drive parallels the walkway, provides vehicular access, and is used by bicyclists, runners, and skaters. The northern portion of the island includes 25 acres occupied by the National Park Services regional125、 headquarters, a park maintenance yard, offices for the U.S. Park Police, and the Tourmobiles office and bus maintenance facilities. Overall, approximately a quarter of the park is consumed by bridges, roads, offices, parking lots, and maintenance yards. The park is currently accessible only from th126、e northern end of the island, an area choked by bridge and road infrastructure. There is no bus or train service, and even boat movement around the park is problematic. Boats traveling from the head of the Washington Channel to Georgetown are required to travel around Hains Point, a trip that can ta127、ke as long as an hour. There is no place to access the park by boat and no place to launch a canoe or kayak. Paddling around the island from Georgetown can take almost a full day.Five bridges constructed before the mid to late 1970s cross the Potomac River and the park: three four-lane vehicular bri128、dges, a Metrorail bridge, and an older railroad bridge. The tangled maze of infrast-ructure not only makes it difficult for pedestrians, motorists, and bicyclists to reach the park, but it also hems in the Jefferson Memorial, denying it a suitably dignified setting.As reclaimed land, East Potomac Pa129、rk is slowly sinking and its seawalls are crumbling. A 1950s hydrology study found that the island had sunk three and a half feet since it was first created. Today, high tides and flooding frequently submerge the seawalls, and approximately 80 percent of the park lies within the 100-year floodplain;130、 future sea-level rise would further threaten the park, altering its configuration and ultimate use. 49 MONUMENTAL CORE FRAM EWO R K P LA N The Framework Plan proposal for Potomac Park.Aerial view of Potomac Park.Key ImprovementsDevelop Potomac Harbor A. along the Washington Channel with active uses131、, visitor services, an expanded marina, and a wider land bridge. Connect Potomac Park B. with the City by providing multiple linkages that improve access for visitors arriving by foot, bicycle, boat, car, Metro, and water taxi.Reprogram Potomac Park for C. Sustainable Recreation by offering a range 132、of activities and naturalized areas connected to a continuous waterfront trail.Create Festival Grounds at D. the Jefferson Memorial to relieve pressure on the National Mall and allow for a range of events and uses.BACDProposed Rail CorridorVehicular / Pedestrian Circulation EnhancementsOpen Space / 133、Public RealmEnhancementMetro TunnelPedestrian CirculationEnhancementVehicular TunnelRiparian Edge EnhancementInfill Development Opportunity EnvelopeReuse OpportunityDevelopment Opportunity Architect of the CapitolPlans in ProgressMemorials and MuseumsMaster Plan SiteExpanded Marina ActivitiesAdditio134、nal Commemorative Opportunity SitePotomac ParkJefferson MemorialMaine Ave.HainsPointNCCP/CFABENHANCE THE WATERFRONT EXPERIENCE POTOMAC PARK50M O N UM E N TAL CORE F RA MEWORK PLA N Develop Potomac HarborNear Washingtons city center, an area located at thenorthern rim of the Washington Channel can be135、comea dynamic new destination at the waters edge, offeringactive engagement with the waterfront on both sides ofthe channel. Complementary development along theSouthwest Waterfront and Potomac Park, combinedwith improved connections at the Tidal Basin outlet and new bridges to Potomac Park, can crea136、te a walkable loop linking a variety of waterfront experiences along the proposed Potomac Harbor.Along the eastern bank of the channel, the SouthwestWaterfront is poised for a dramatic transformation.The citys plan for a 47-acre waterfront neighborhoodwill include residences, hotels, cultural and ed137、ucationspaces, offices, neighborhood retail, a marina, parks, and a waterfront promenade.On the Potomac Park side of the channel, new low-scale development would build on the vitality created Potomac Harbor can become a unique destination for water-oriented recreation in the nations capital, complem138、enting the proposed urban mixed-use neighborhood north of the channel. at the Southwest Waterfront and add to the existing recreational opportunities of the park. Designed to an appropriate scale and character for the park, new pavilions could include the National Mall and Memorial Parks offices, en139、hanced visitor services, outdoor cafes, and a concentration of recreational development, including both water-oriented and year-round indoor activities. Places to rent boats and kayaks, and indoor facilities for rock climbing, roller skating, and other sports and ancillary uses could be constructed 140、on piers along the parks edge to minimize the impact on the floodplain and to activate the channel edge.The intent is to create a basin surrounded by activityso that the upper Washington Channel can becomea place of even greater appeal and significance forvisitors and residents alike. With proximity141、 to theNational Mall, venues for entertainment, year-roundrecreation, waterfront commemoration, and dockagefor maritime events, Potomac Harbor can become aunique destination within the nations capital.Aerial view of the Southwest Waterfront, Washington Channel, and Potomac Park.EXPANDED LAND BRIDGE 142、Pedestrians can now enter the park only along a narrow Tidal Basin walk or from an unpleasant walk beneath the I-395 bridge. Widening the sliver of land at the north end of the channel would improve access to the Tidal Basin and improve pedestrian and vehicular mobility between the city and the park143、, by providing greater separation between roadways, walkways, and railroad infrastructure. The land bridge would allow for a gracious waterfront promenade that could become a new gateway, creating a more inviting entrance to the park. An integral part of the proposed development, the promenade would144、 help extend the character and experience of the National Mall and the new Southwest Waterfront into Potomac Park.NCPC/CFA, ILLUSTRATION BY MICHAEL MCCANN/EDAW51 MONUMENTAL CORE FRAM EWO R K P LA N Widening the land bridge between the Tidal Basin and Washington Channel and tunneling the highway will145、 improve the link between Potomac Park and the city and create a unique place for marine activities at Potomac Harbor.Current view of the north end of the Washington Channel, looking toward the Francis Case Memorial Bridge.Impromptu performances create enjoyable and memorable experiences. (Baltimore146、, MD)Appropriately scaled pavilions can activate a waterfront.(Vancouver, BC)Waterfront pavilions can provide places for specialized recreational activities. (New York, NY) COURTESY OF DESTINATION360.COMCOURTESY OF KEN REGULARCOURTESY OF JEFFERY DELVISCIOEDAWNCPC/CFA, ILLUSTRATION BY EDAWENHANCE THE147、 WATERFRONT EXPERIENCE POTOMAC PARK52M O N UM E N TAL CORE F RA MEWORK PLA N Connect Potomac Park with the CityPotomac Park should be an easily accessible destination with multiple linkages for people arriving by foot, bicycle, boat, water taxi, Metrorail, or car.A NEW CANAL Currently, boat traffic 148、to the marina at the Southwest Waterfront must navigate around Hains Point and motor up the channel through two miles of a no-wake zone. A wide, easily maneuverable new canal in the vicinity of Buckeye Drive, approximately 2,000 feet in length, would connect the Washington Channel with the Potomac R149、iver, creating a striking feature in the landscape and serving as a ceremonial and practical maritime gateway to the Southwest Waterfront. With this canal, boat traffic would no longer be required to go around Hains Point, significantly reducing travel time to and from the marina. Water taxis could 150、use the canal to reduce passenger vehicle use by providing links between Potomac Park, the Southwest Waterfront, the Washington Nationals Stadium, Alexandria, Georgetown, and other destinations. Reducing marine traffic on the channel would also allow a naturalized shoreline to be constructed. NEW CH151、ANNEL CROSSINGS The new canal would accommodate sailboats and taller ships, allowing for construction of low bridges over the Washington Channel. As a result, the three proposed channel bridges could remain low and pedestrian-friendly. At 6th Street, SW, a small two-lane bridge with sidewalks would 152、provide a vehicular and pedestrian connection between the active area of the park and the urban activities of the Southwest Waterfront and M Street. At P Street, a new pedestrian-only bridge would provide access to the quiet, bucolic portion of the park. Near Hains Point, a new boardwalk across the 153、channel and in the river around Fort McNair would connect to the Anacostia Riverwalk. These bridges should be designed as attractive features and destinations themselves.Expand the land bridge at the Tidal Basin outlet to improve access to Potomac Park, the Jefferson 1. Memorial, and the Tidal Basin154、.Construct a canal between the Washington Channel and the Potomac River to improve boat access 2. to the Southwest Waterfront and allow multiple connections between Potomac Park and the city.Provide a two-lane vehicular and pedestrian bridge at 6th Street and pedestrian-only bridges at 3. P Street a155、nd near Hains Point.Develop a waterfront esplanade and reclaim wetland habitat along portions of the park shoreline.4. Establish waterfront memorial sites, including a site for a preeminent memorial at Hains Point.5. Redesign the public golf course as a model of sustainable practices, expand the clu156、bhouse, improve 6. the tennis and pool facilities, and provide additional passive recreation opportunities on the southern portion of the island.124536P ProProposed Rail Corrl Co idoidoridorLEGE ENDNDLEGLEGVehicuhicula lar / PedesPedestdestrian rian entsCirculCirculcula ation ation EnhEnhancEnhancEn157、hemenemeOpen SOpen SOpOpepacepace ace /pac Publi Pub c ReaRealm EnhEnhanhancncemementementementMetrMetro TunnelnnelPedesPedPedestdestPerian Criairculairculation tioEnhEnEnhanhancementInfill Develvelvelopmentpment Opportunity nity unitnity EnveloEnveloEn nve pepepReuse OpportOppo unityunitVehicuehicu158、lar Tu TuTunnnnennelRipariRipariariariananan Edgan EdgEdge eEnhanEnhancementmentenentDevelopment pment OpportOppo unitunitnity nity Architect oft of the C the CapitolapPlans in ProProgressgressMemorials and Mused Mus umsumsMaster Plan SiteSiteExpanded Mared Mina Acina ActivititivitiivitiivitieseAddi159、tional Commemommemoratratrativerative Opportunity SitePotomac ParkJefferson MemorialMaine Ave.HainsPointTidal Basin15th St.14th St.12th St.7th St.4th St.P St.M St.Virginia AveOhio Dr.Maryland Ave.6th St.NCPC/CFA53 MONUMENTAL CORE FRAM EWO R K P LA N 1916 Potomac Park PlanImproving access and recreat160、ional opportunities in Potomac Park has been on the drawing board for nearly a century. Many of the ideas that appear in the Framework Plan are also found in a 1916 plan prepared by Colonel William W. Harts of the Office of Public Buildings and Grounds. The Harts plan recommended extending the citys161、 streetcar lines into the north portion of the park to improve access, and suggested creating a canal from the Washington Channel to the Potomac River. Colonel Harts saw the canal as a way of separating “the quiet from the noisy sports.” He proposed playing fields and courts of all types, a golf cou162、rse, bathing pools, and a parade ground. The 1916 plan included a formal landscape at the extreme north end of the park, today the location of the Jefferson Memorial. At the south end of the park, the plan proposed a memorial garden at Hains Point to take advantage of its magnificent setting overloo163、king the confluence of the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers. Potomac Park was newly created using fill dredged from tidal marshes in the late 19th century. Long Bridge initially traversed the park.Birds-eye view of the golf course along the Washington Channel. Plan for East Potomac Park, 1916COURTESY OF164、 DC PUBLIC LIBRARY, WASHINGTON POST, STAR COLLECTIONCOURTESY OF KENNETH LUNDCOURTESY OF LIBRARY OF CONGRESSENHANCE THE WATERFRONT EXPERIENCE POTOMAC PARK54M O N UM E N TAL CORE F RA MEWORK PLA N Reprogram Potomac Park for Sustainable RecreationThe waterfront at Potomac Park should support the natura165、l ecology of the Washington Channel and the Potomac River, thereby helping to improve the regional watershed and providing opportunities for ecological education. The calm and quiet natural areas at the southern end of the park would also serve as a pleasant counterpoint to the animated, urban exper166、ience of the new Southwest Waterfront.THE WATERS EDGE Potomac Parks seawalls havesubsided over the years from erosion and tidal fluctuation and pose a significant threat to public safety. The Framework Plan recommends varyingtreatments for the seawalls along the Potomac River and the Washington Chan167、nel.The sinking seawalls and walkway along the PotomacRiver edge of the park should be reconstructed, raised,and widened to reduce the impact of periodic floodingand to create a pleasant and welcoming esplanade.The scenic beauty of the esplanade would enhance thesetting of future memorials and could168、 be enjoyed bythose choosing to stroll, fish, read, or picnic. Moreactive users, such as bikers and skaters, could enjoythe waterfront views and breezes along a parallelpath. In addition, a slight realignment of a portionof Ohio Drive along the Potomac River would allowa segment of the linear park t169、o be expanded to createa waterfront open space for gatherings, and support uses such as restrooms and food service.With a canal through Potomac Park available toredirect the majority of maritime traffic, a sustainablesolution to reinforcing the crumbling seawalls could beimplemented along the Washin170、gton Channel.The seawalls along the southern portion of the parkcould be stabilized with native vegetation, wetlands,infill earth removed during canal construction, androck as a bioengineered shoreline. These naturalalternatives would be more cost-effective thanreconstructing the seawalls and would 171、help improve waterquality, mitigate flooding in outlying areas, and create new habitat for plants and wildlife.Along the southern end of the Washington Channel,the esplanade should be designed as a boardwalkthrough the new marshy riparian edge. The boardwalkcould also extend across the channel at an172、 appropriatedistance from the shoreline around Fort McNair toconnect Hains Point to the Anacostia Riverwalk. Thisconnection would significantly reduce the numberof large boats traveling near Fort McNair and close a The Potomac Park seawall is sinking and needs repairs.Current conflicts exist among p173、edestrians, cyclists, and vehicles.A beautiful esplanade along Potomac Parks shoreline could offer places for commemoration and recreation. (Jinji Lake, China)NCPCEDAWEDAW55 MONUMENTAL CORE FRAM EWO R K P LA N significant gap along the planned continuous Riverwalk, allowing for a system of uninterru174、pted trails, boardwalks, and waterfront promenades now being developed from Georgetownto the National Arboretum. This boardwalk should be designed to accommodate an appropriate security setback for boats and pedestrians at Fort McNair. SUSTAINABILITY AND RECREATION To protect the environment, new de175、velopment along the channel must not contribute to the existing flooding potential or negatively affect aquatic habitats. In addition, new maritime programming and water oriented recreation activities should conform to the Districts Green Marina Guidelines and other applicable regulations.The reloca176、tion of administrative facilities from Potomac Park would also help to reduce impervious surface area, improve water quality, mitigate flooding, and increase New pedestrian bridges across the channel will connect the park to the citys southern neighborhoods, and reclaiming wetlands can help improve 177、water quality, mitigate flooding, and offer areas for reconnecting with nature. Current view of seawall sidewalk, looking north along the Washington Channel toward the Southwest Waterfront. recreation area. In addition, the public golf courses should be showcases of innovative sustainability practic178、es in water quality, wildlife habitat, and operations. The golf courses could be redesigned to maximize efficiency and to enhance the golf experience. This new layout, necessary to accommodate the canals most efficient routing, can also allow for a new active recreation area north of the practice ra179、nge. The clubhouse and pool complex could be expanded to include recreational equipment rentals and a new community facility. The new facility would offer programmed indoor recreation, events, and meeting space and be designed to take full advantage of views of the river and surrounding monuments an180、d memorials.Potomac Park could also become a desirable place for racing events. The new recreation space, together with new water-oriented recreational facilities at Potomac Harbor, will allow the accommodation of local and national recreational events. New recreation areas should be designed to acc181、ommodate training, championship events, spectators, and celebratory spaces for finish lines and award ceremonies. NEW MEMORIALS With its sweeping open spacesand water views, Potomac Park could provideexcellent settings for several new memorials rangingin size and scope. Hains Point is one of the isl182、ands most promising commemorative sites. Several other important locations along the esplanade and shoreline could also accommodate small- and medium-scale memorials. These memorial sites will become especially desirable as the renewed Potomac Park landscape acquires its own unique identity and is l183、inked to the rest of the city by enhanced transit, water taxi, and pedestrian connections. Multi-purpose lawns allow for public gatherings, active recreation, and relaxation. (New York, NY)EDAWCOURTESY OF MAGDALENA KRASICKANCPC/CFA, ILLUSTRATION BY EDAWENHANCE THE WATERFRONT EXPERIENCE POTOMAC PARK5184、6M O N UM E N TAL CORE F RA MEWORK PLA N The proposed Jefferson Memorial Festival Grounds could be an easily accessible multi-purpose space with a magnificent setting for public gatherings and recreation. Current view of Jefferson Memorial, looking north from an existing parking lot.Birds-eye view o185、f highways and rail lines that sever the Jefferson Memorial from Potomac Park.Create a Festival Grounds at the Jefferson Memorial The National Mall, the nations preeminent public space, hosts many national celebrations such as the Cherry Blossom Festival and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, as wel186、l as special events and public demonstrations of various sizes. These events, which can draw tens of thousands of people, sometimes for weeks at a time, present operational and maintenance challenges and limit other activities for the duration of the respective event. The National Mall is the most p187、opular visitor destination in the nations capital and the central open space of a living city. Pressure can be taken off the National Mall by developing a Festival Grounds to the south of the Jefferson Memorial as a new national civic space connected to the Mall. This space could accommodate special188、 events and provide additional area for larger festivals, demonstrations, and other activities. In addition to relieving pressure on the National Mall, the Festival Grounds would enhance the setting of the Jefferson Memorial, restore the beauty of the romantic park landscape, and provide recreation 189、space. The lawn would accommodate space for pick-up games and tournaments of all kinds. This flexible area can efficiently provide for both active recreation and civic events. With the Jefferson Memorial and the Washington Monument as a dramatic backdrop, this 25- to 35-acre outdoor gathering area c190、ould become a new landmark in Washingtons monumental landscape and one of Americas great symbolic settings recognized throughout the world. Currently, the space proposed for the new Festival Grounds is consumed by a complex network of bridges and parking, as well as the regional headquarters of the 191、National Park Service. This combined infrastructure intrudes upon the Jefferson Memorial landscape and Potomac Park. When, at the end of the useful life of the bridges, it makes more sense to replace rather than continue to repair them, the bridges could be relocated to improve the setting of the Je192、fferson Memorial and create the ceremonial space of the Festival Grounds. At that point, the National Park Services regional headquarters could be relocated to a more suitable part of the city, and the maintenance facilities could be relocated between the newly aligned highway and rail bridges in an193、 area screened from view.TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE Three highway bridges, one Metrorail bridge, and one railroad bridge cross into Washington just south of the Jefferson Memorial. The three vehicular bridges cross the Potomac River and enter Potomac Park, where a series of ramps interweave to co194、nnect them to the 14th Street and Francis Case Memorial Bridges across the Washington Channel. The Metrorail bridge crosses the river, enters a tunnel within the park, and continues under the channel. The rail line traverses the Potomac River on the Long Bridge, runs through the park on earthen emba195、nkments, passes over the channel, and heads northeast along Maryland Avenue. EDAWCOURTESY OF DC GOVERNMENTNCPC/CFA, ILLUSTRATION BY MICHAEL MCCANN57 MONUMENTAL CORE FRAM EWO R K P LA N 1234The Framework Plan proposes that these five bridges across the Potomac River be replaced with two vehicular bri196、dges, one rail bridge, and a Metrorail tunnel, all to the south of their current locations. One of the vehicular bridges would serve local traffic to downtown Washington, while the second would serve interstate traffic headed to other parts of the city and beyond. The local bridge would land in Poto197、mac Park asa boulevard and become part of the local roadnetwork. It would then cross under the Tidal Basin outlet near the Washington Channel, emerging at thefoot of 14th Street, north of Maine Avenue. Thisalignment would allow cars to access Ohio Drivewithin Potomac Park and find a direct route to 198、15thStreet, F Street, and Maine Avenue. The I-395 interstate bridge would enter a tunnelwithin Potomac Park and travel under the Washington Channel. The realigned route would reverse the directions of 9th and 12th Streets to utilize existing tunnels under the National Mall. The bridges northbound la199、nes would connect to the existing 9th Street tunnel and the existing Southwest Freeway beneath the 10th Street Overlook. The existing 12th Street tunnel would feed into the bridges southbound lanes.A new rail bridge would cross over the park parallel to the local vehicular crossing, connecting to th200、e existing rail alignment at the western terminus of Maryland Avenue. The Metrorail bridge would be replaced with a tunnel under the Potomac River. Some of the infrastructure for such a tunnel is already in place, built by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority when the system was constr201、ucted.Consolidating, realigning, and tunneling the bridges and associated infrastructure would have numerous benefits. Most importantly, the new configuration of bridges would create space for the Festival Grounds, eliminate the vehicular and pedestrian bottlenecks at the north end of the island, an202、d improve pedestrian safety and access to Potomac Park. It would also support the cultural and mixed-use destinations proposed for the 10th Street Overlook and the Southwest Waterfront, provide a suitable terminus for a new F Street corridor, and allow for the establishment of an overlook park and p203、edestrian connection between Maryland Avenue and 14th Street. The Framework Plan proposes that a new Metro station be constructed near the Jefferson Memorial to provide transit access to Potomac Park and the Southwest Waterfront, encourage the use of public transportation, and reduce the number of p204、assenger vehicles entering the park. This new Metro station would also serve multiple destinations near the Tidal Basin, including the Thomas Jefferson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorials. To make the station possible, the Metrorail tracks would need to be moved bel205、ow ground. This would also remove what is now a significant visual and physical intrusion into Potomac Park.Realign the I-395 vehicular bridges to the south 1. and place in a tunnel under a portion of the park, the channel, and the Overlook.Realign the 14th Street vehicular bridge to the south 2. an206、d place in a tunnel under a portion of the park Reconstruct the rail line parallel to the 3. vehicular bridges.Construct a Metrorail tunnel under the Potomac 4. River and build a new Potomac Park Metro station.Create multi-purpose open space for 5. events and recreation.Illustration of proposed stre207、et-level improvements. LEGENDProposed Metro TunnelProposed Railroad TunnelProposed Highway TunnelExisting TunnelProposed tunnels that will allow creation of the Jefferson Memorial Festival Green and connect Potomac Park to the National Mall. Jefferson MemorialMaine Ave.Tidal Basin15th St.14th St.12t208、h St.7th St.4th St.M St.Virginia Ave.Ohio Dr.Maryland Ave.9th St.Ohio Dr.Southwest FreewayNCPC/CFA, ILLUSTRATION BY EDAWNCPC/CFA5158M O N UM E N TAL CORE F RA MEWORK PLA N 59 MONUMENTAL CORE FRAM EWO R K P LA N Extend the Commemorative Landscape THE NORTHWEST RECTANGLEThe Northwest Rectanglea place 209、of beautiful and monumental institutions adjacent to the National Mallcan become an accessible and walkable cultural destination and workplace. An interconnected system of parks can extend the commemorative qualities of the National Mall northward to link the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin210、g Arts with the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, and Presidents Park.The Northwest Rectangle can emphasize its own distinctive identity of historic, architectural, cultural, and scenic interest by capitalizing on the prominence of the Kennedy Center, a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy,211、 and strengthening its connection to nearby iconic landscapes and the educational and diplomatic institutions in the vicinity. In a rejuvenated Northwest Rectangle, pedestrians and transit vehicles would easily make their way between the river, the National Mall, the Kennedy Center, and downtown Was212、hington. Fundamental to achieving this objective would be decking over disruptive roadways, creating a new park along the Potomac River, strategically locating cultural attractions, shops, and visitor amenities along the E Street corridor, and cohesively knitting together the precincts parks and pla213、zas.Consolidated and less intrusive infrastructure for the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge would maintain vehicular access and capacity while eliminating the roadways and access ramps that currently disrupt the area. It would also allow the establishment of a ceremonial boulevard between the Kennedy Cente214、r and the Lincoln Memorial.EDAWEXTEND THE COMMEMORATIVE LANDSCAPE THE NORTHWEST RECTANGLE 60M O N UM E N TAL CORE F RA MEWORK PLA N Context During the early 20th century, the federal government established an enclave of major government headquarters in the Northwest Rectangle, the counterpart to the215、 Federal Triangle complex east of the White House. Most of the land is in federal ownership, and the area is known for the modern classical style of its buildings. Major international organizations and private businesses are also housed here, in office buildings of various architectural styles and s216、izes. George Washington University is dispersed throughout a 20-block area immediately north of the Rectangle. Cultural centers anchor both ends of the precinct, with the Kennedy Center to the west and Constitution Hall and the Corcoran Gallery of Art, among others, to the east. There are few shops 217、or restaurants to serve workers and visitors in the area. As currently configured, the precinct is reaching its built capacity.In the 1960s, some of Washingtons most ambitioushighway and bridge projects were implemented in theprecinct, such as the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge, thePotomac Freeway, and t218、he E Street Expressway. Anunderused, six-lane “highway to nowhere” was nevercompleted and the portion that was built does notconnect directly to surrounding streets. The highwaychasms, overpasses, and interchanges, along with thesprawling Roosevelt Bridge approaches, profoundlydisrupt the areas urba219、n fabric and city life.Currently, the maze of roads and bridges provide vehicular connections and alternate routes for commuters moving between areas of the city. However, the tangle of infrastructure has severed the Kennedy Center from the city and caused severe disruptions to the citys street grid220、, impeding pedestrian and vehicular mobility and safety. This infrastructure, in conjunction with a poor mix of uses in the precinct, isolates the universities, international institutions, businesses, and neighborhoods in downtowns west end from the Northwest Rectangle, the National Mall, and the wa221、terfront.The Kennedy Center each year attracts more than five million visitors and is only 500 yards from the National Mall. However, reaching the center on foot is perilous. The nearest Metrorail station is half a mile away and there are no direct or clearly marked paths to the Center from the Nati222、onal Mall, the riverfront, or downtown. Pedestrians must improvise a hazardous crossing over either Virginia Avenue or Rock Creek Parkway to reach the Center.A comprehensive solution to this challenge will require significant changes to current transportation infrastructure and improvements to the p223、ublic realm. To create a truly accessible waterfront and reconnect this portion of the city to the National Mall and downtowns west end, the freeway ramps to the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge will need to be rerouted and placed in tunnels. To link the Kennedy Center to the east, ramps leading to and fro224、m the E Street Expressway will need to be lowered, modified, or eliminated.One of the architectural treasures of the precinctis the Potomac Annex, also known as the Old Naval Observatory. It houses the Naval Bureau of Medicine and Surgery and sits on a hilltop surrounded by highways. Its historic bu225、ildings, expansive grounds, and panoramic views of the Potomac River and National Mall offer a campus of character and distinction. South of the Potomac Annex facing the National Mall, a new headquarters for the U.S. Institute of Peace is destined to be a landmark and gateway for this part of the ci226、ty.61 MONUMENTAL CORE FRAM EWO R K P LA N The Framework Plan proposal for the Northwest Rectangle.Aerial view of the Northwest Rectangle.Key ImprovementsLink the Kennedy Center A. with the Lincoln Memorial by establishing a ceremonial boulevard and enhanced waterfront esplanade that will extend the 227、powerful symbolic qualities of the National Mall. Connect the Kennedy Center B. with the White House and Presidents Park by establishing the E Street corridor as a commemorative linear park with places for cultural enrichment and leisure activities, and by extending the street grid and placing infil228、l development over the Potomac Freeway. BA25th St.23rd St.20th St.17th St.New York Ave.Virginia Ave.E St.ConstitutionGardensNational MallLincolnMemorialKennedyCenterPresidents ParkTheWhiteHouseE St.Constitution Ave.TheodoreRooseveltBridgeNCPC/CFAProposed Rail CorridorVehicular / Pedestrian Circulati229、on EnhancementsOpen Space / Public RealmEnhancementMetro TunnelPedestrian CirculationEnhancementInfill Development Opportunity EnvelopeReuse OpportunityVehicular TunnelRiparian EdgeEnhancementDevelopment OpportunityArchitect of the CapitolPlans in ProgressMemorials and MuseumsMaster Plan SiteExpande230、d Marina ActivitiesAdditional CommemorativeOpportunity SiteNew Metro EntrancesKey Axis in Historic City PlansEXTEND THE COMMEMORATIVE LANDSCAPE THE NORTHWEST RECTANGLE 62M O N UM E N TAL CORE F RA MEWORK PLA N Link the Kennedy Center with the Lincoln MemorialThe Kennedy Centers role as a national pr231、esidential memorial should be enhanced through dramatic new relationships with nearby memorials and ceremonial areas. These visual and physical links would extend the symbolic qualities of the National Mall to the Northwest Rectangle along the Potomac River. The maze of interchange ramps associated 232、with the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge should be reconfigured and decked, and an expansive, pedestrian-friendly landscape should be created along the river These actions would improve access, create a commemorative gateway to the nations capital, provide new flexible open space south of Constitution Ave233、nue for recreation, and provide green areas for stormwater management and additional trees.The changes to this area would also improve the connection between the National Mall and Georgetown and contribute to the continuous riverfront trail linking the Potomac and Ancostia Rivers.The central feature234、 of this proposal is a new ceremonial boulevard and commemorative landscape that will strengthen the visual and symbolic connection between the Kennedy Center and the Lincoln Memorial. The character of this open space would reinforce the commemorative function of the Kennedy Center and blend the exp235、ansive character of the National Mall with the urban identity of the Northwest Rectangle. Anchored by iconic presidential memorials and located near many of the nations diplomatic institutions, including the new U.S. Institute of Peace, the new boulevard will improve pedestrian and vehicular connect236、ions between Constitution Avenue and the Northwest Rectangle and provide a place for ceremonial and celebratory functions.Tunneling and realigning the freeways will permit a graceful and ceremonial connection between the Kennedy Center and the Lincoln Memorial, including areas for commemoration and 237、recreation. Constitution Avenue, which currently terminates at a bridge ramp on the west, should be extended to restore its historic terminus on the Potomac River. This location was designed as a belvedere and is an important opportunity for a future memorial and waterfront access. Additionally, the238、 northwestern terminus of Virginia Avenuean area of potential scenic beauty currently occupied by a surface parking lotshould also be used for commemoration and recreation.The riverfront experience would also become more inviting if high-speed commuter traffic were rerouted from Rock Creek Parkway t239、o the currently underused Potomac Freeway. This shift in traffic would establish the riverfront as a welcoming and safe pedestrian environment for residents, workers, students, and visitors, while potentially improving commuter movement between Georgetown and the monumental core. Current view of the240、 Potomac Freeway and Theodore Roosevelt Bridge ramps, looking southeast from the Kennedy Center toward the Lincoln Memorial.NCPC/CFA, ILLUSTRATION BY EDAWNCPC63 MONUMENTAL CORE FRAM EWO R K P LA N Deck the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge 1. approach ramps to develop a new ceremonial boulevard between the 241、Kennedy Center and the Lincoln Memorial.Deck the Potomac Freeway to expand 2. the Kennedy Center cultural facility and create a civic plaza that promotes urban sustainability through low-impact development techniques.Construct a staircase from the Kennedy 3. Centers west terrace down to the waterfro242、nt.Restore the historic terminus of 4. Constitution Avenue at the belvedere.Develop a more pedestrian-friendly 5. riverfront promenade.Create a flexible open space for 6. recreation and gatherings.A PRESIDENTIAL SETTING For decades, there has been a need to correct the tangle of highways around the 243、Kennedy Center that effectively isolate it from the National Mall, the Potomac River, and the rest of the city. There also have been numerous proposals to create a physical connection from the Kennedy Center terrace to the Potomac River.Extending the Legacy called for highway decking to make space f244、or a lively civic plaza on the east side of the Kennedy Center. Subsequent efforts by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Kennedy Center detailed options for spanning the highway, improving access for pedestrians and motorists, and expanding the Kennedy Center for additional performing art245、s and support space. The Framework Plans recommendations for the Kennedy Center broadly reflect Extending the Legacy proposals and build upon those advanced by Rafael Violy, the architect who worked with the Kennedy Center terrace to advance this vision.A civic plaza over the existing freeway, with 246、newplantings and fountains, would serve as a dramaticforecourt to this presidential memorial. It would also provide two new building sites for rehearsal, exhibit, educational, and performance space. These new buildings should be designed to appropriately frame the existing Kennedy Center and reinfor247、ce its stature as a premier presidential memorial. The plaza should be edged with street-level public uses, such as a visitor center, shops, and restaurants, to animate it during daytime and evening hours, and create a lively new Washington destination. The local street grid, including 25th and 26th248、 Streets, should be reestablished and C Street could be extended as part of the street network. The reestablished urban grid should extend northward to Juarez Circle on Virginia Avenue.Concept for stairways connecting the west terrace of the Kennedy Center to the Potomac River.12453The technical wor249、k required to develop the complex transportation proposals is beyond the scope of the Framework Plan. However, the Kennedy Center Access Study, conducted by the Federal Highway Administration, and the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Bridge study, conducted by the District of Columbia Department of Trans250、portation, have suggested viable solutions that are worthy of further consideration and analysis.The Framework Plan supports the current proposal for a pedestrian connection from the Kennedy Centers western terrace down to the waterfront esplanade with stairways and an elevator bank landing on a lan251、dscaped plaza along the river. This important connection from the Kennedy Center to the Potomac esplanade would create a new destination where people can sit and enjoy the views of the river.Proposed street-level improvements of the Framework Plan.6The Framework Plan proposal for the area between th252、e Kennedy Center and the Lincoln Memorial.25th St.23rd St.Virginia Ave.C St.E St.LincolnMemorialJuarezCircleKennedyCenterTheodoreRooseveltBridgeRock Creek ParkwayConstitution Ave.NCPC/CFA, ILLUSTRATION BY MICHAEL MCCANNNCPC/CFA, ILLUSTRATION BY EDAWNCPC/CFAEXTEND THE COMMEMORATIVE LANDSCAPE THE NORT253、HWEST RECTANGLE 64M O N UM E N TAL CORE F RA MEWORK PLA N Connect the Kennedy Center with the White House and Presidents ParkThe Northwest Rectangle should become a destination in its own right through new development and a series of connected parks centered on E Street and Virginia Avenue between t254、he Kennedy Center on the west and the White House on the east.With E Street serving as the organizing spine, aseries of cohesively designed open spaces, combinedwith the plazas and building yards of the flankinggovernment buildings, will create a well-defined sequence of commemorative parks between 255、the White House and Presidents Park and the Kennedy Center. The walkable corridor would provide approximately 250,000 square feet of infill development opportunity for the Department of State within its northern building yard on the south side of E Street. This additional federal office space, combi256、ned with the almost 1.5 million square feet of mixed-use development potential at the Kennedy Center plaza and the new U.S. Institute of Peace Headquarters, could transform the Northwest Rectangle into a more desirable workplace and a destination for visitors and nearby residents. The confluence of 257、open spaces that flank VirginiaAvenue between 19th and 22nd Streets creates anopportunity for a new cultural destination anda vibrant public park. This park could include acultural building, commemorative works dedicatedto the arts, and other public amenities that wouldcreate a welcome outdoor space258、 for the surroundingneighborhood and George Washington University.Located halfway between the Kennedy Center andthe White House grounds, this location provides aprominent setting for a visitor destination midwaybetween the cultural hubs at either end of theprecinct and between downtown and the Natio259、nalMall. This location reinforces both a secondarycross-axis of the LEnfant Plan and a node on theMcMillan “Kite Plan.”An elegant eastern approach to the Kennedy Centershould be established for pedestrians and motoristsby reclaiming E Street as a continuous at-gradelandscaped boulevard stretching fo260、r the mile between the Kennedy Center and the White House and Presidents Park. The new connection would beachieved by decking over the E Street Expresswayfrom the Kennedy Center to Virginia Avenue andover a portion of the expressway ramps between 20th and 21st Streets.This new system of parks along 261、E Street would alsofulfill an important role in managing stormwater, including cisterns, rain gardens, and pervious pavement, and could become a model for new sustainable urban parks. The corridor should also incorporate renewable energy and green site and Rehabilitate and improve the E Street linea262、r 1. parks as a cohesive system that includes sustainable solutions to stormwater management and energy conservation.Deck the E Street tunnel portals to create a park 2. with cultural or commemorative uses between 20th and 21st Streets.Deck the E Street Expressway to reestablish E 3. Street west of 263、Virginia Avenue as a beautiful street.Establish 25th Street and develop residences 4. and shops along the street.Develop the State Departments northern building 5. yard as expansion office space, constructed according to the latest green building standards. Program the Old Naval Observatory for publ264、ic 6. access and feature its historic significance.Make streetscape improvements to Virginia Avenue, 7. 20th, 21st, and 23rd Streets.245367building technologies ranging from cultural venues to vending kiosks. Access to the parks should be provided alonga pedestrian-friendly E Street designed toaccom265、modate all modes of travel. The E Streetcorridor should become a vital east-west publictransit link between the Northwest Rectangle andthe Federal Triangle.Pedestrian movement between downtown Washington, the Foggy Bottom Metro station, and the National Mall should be improved. This can be achieved 266、along Virginia Avenue and E, 20th, 21st, and 23rd Streets through street and park beautification, public space programming, and improved signage and wayfinding. In addition, pedestrians can be encouraged to move easily between the Northwest Rectangle and the National Mall by improving the linear par267、ks and commemorative areas and building on the artistic, diplomatic, and Latin American themes currently in this area.The topographic and historic significance of theOld Naval Observatory, which sits atop a prominenthilltop overlooking the National Mall and the river,warrants special programming to 268、allow some publicaccess, such as public event space or walking andbiking tours. These actions would further helpconnect the Northwest Rectangle to the adjacentNational Mall and the Potomac River waterfront.The Framework Plan proposal for the E Street corridor.23rd St.20th St.Virginia Ave.Old Naval O269、bservatoryKennedyCenterE St.TheodoreRooseveltBridgeConstitution Ave.The National Mall125th St.New York Ave.NCPC/CFA65 MONUMENTAL CORE FRAM EWO R K P LA N Cross-section of proposed E Street, looking west from 20th Street toward a proposed cultural site. Cross-section of proposed E Street, looking wes270、t from 23rd Street toward the Kennedy Center.Cross-section key.Decking over portions of E Street could provide a new cultural or commemorative opportunity near the intersection of E Street and Virginia Avenue. A new cultural or commemorative work between E Street and Virginia Avenue could extend the271、 commemorative landscape and help to organize a cohesive park system along the E Street corridor. Current view of the Virginia Avenue and 20th Street intersection, looking northwest.ABEDAWNCPCNCPCABNCPC/CFANCPC/CFA, ILLUSTRATION BY EDAWNCPC/CFA66M O N UM E N TAL CORE F RA MEWORK PLA N 67 MONUMENTAL 272、CORE FRAM EWO R K P LA N Link Downtown with the National Mall THE FEDERAL TRIANGLESituated between the National Mall and Washingtons traditional downtown, Pennsylvania Avenue and the Federal Triangle offer a unique opportunity to integrate diverse aspects of Washington life. By featuring a mix of ac273、tivities and engaging public spaces, the Federal Triangle can increase its appeal to workers and visitors, and Pennsylvania Avenue can strengthen its role as Americas preeminent ceremonial boulevard. This distinguished precinct should exhibit the purpose of the federal government, Americas diverse n274、ational heritage, and the best of American art, architecture, landscape architecture, and urban design. It should have attractive and animated city streets and public spaces; welcoming public buildings; flexible and convenient public transit service; sustainable and accessible streets and buildings;275、 and federal, local, and private development.The Monumental Core Framework Plan recommends establishing a new destination midway along Pennsylvania Avenue and improving the public space along the avenue as well as throughout the Federal Triangle to link the National Mall with downtown Washington. ED276、AWLINK DOWNTOWN WITH THE NATIONAL MALL THE FEDERAL TRIANGLE68M O N UM E N TAL CORE F RA MEWORK PLA N Context Pennsylvania Avenue provides a symbolic, physical, and visual link between the executive and legislative branches of government. The avenue originally was one of the citys main commercial str277、eets, and by the middle of the 19th century, saloons and brothels operated alongside hotels, banks, and shops, making it one of the liveliest streets in the nation, though somewhat disreputable.The completion of the Romanesque Post Office Building in 1899 signaled a change of fortune for the neighbo278、rhood. Not long afterward, the McMillan Commission recommended that a 70-acre triangle containing 23 city blocks south of Pennsylvania Avenue be consolidated and set aside for government office buildings. In 1926, construction began on the massive Beaux-Arts buildings of the Federal Triangle to hous279、e the growing federal workforce. The scale and detail of the buildings architecture reflect “the dignity, enterprise, vigor, and stability of the Federal government,” as noted later by Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan. The Federal Triangle includes a delightful series of courtyards and intimate space280、s that contain an impressive collection of 20th-century sculpture. Pennsylvania Avenue is a key element and contributing resource to the historic LEnfant Plan, and the buildings in the Federal Triangle comprise part of the Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Site. By the 1960s, the area north of P281、ennsylvania Avenue was in decline, losing much of its retail and private commercial activity. Its condition did not represent the grand symbolic avenue originally intended by LEnfant. In 1972 the Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation (PADC) was formed to rejuvenate the area between 3rd and 15t282、h Streets. The streetscape was improved and mixed-use development was added over the following 25 years. The federal government maintains a dominant presence in the Federal Triangle with more than 16 million square feet of office space, several federal agency headquarters, and more than 33,000 emplo283、yees. While the unified precinct is grand, ordered, and architecturally successful, the superblocks and predominately single-use office buildings isolate the National Mall from the downtown north of Pennsylvania Avenue. Outside of office hours the Federal Triangle appears lifeless, with deserted str284、eets between downtown and the National Mall. Even during the day, the Federal Triangle can only be experienced from its edges as opposed to within. The government buildings are mostly closed to the public and east-west passage through the Triangle is restricted. Numerous attractive courtyards, arcad285、es, and interior atriums are cordoned off by security barriers and checkpoints, with many of the spaces used only for parking and loading operations. Throughout the precinct, poorly landscaped building yards and the absence of a clear wayfinding system create a monotonous public realm and the parks,286、 plazas, and commemorative spaces along Pennsylvania Avenue are showing their age. Additionally, because the Federal Triangle was built over tributaries of Tiber Creek and has a high water table, a large percentage of impervious area, and antiquated and overtaxed city sewers, the area is highly susc287、eptible to flooding. North of Pennsylvania Avenue, the FBIs security requirements have prevented street-level public uses around the entire block of the J. Edgar Hoover Building between 9th and 10th Streets. The buildings fortress-like presence is exacerbated by security installations, the moat that288、 surrounds three sides of the building, the scale of its architectural features, and the absence of street-level activity. Several recently completed or planned projects will help integrate downtown, the Federal Triangle, and the monumental core. These include the Newseum on Pennsylvania Avenue, the289、 recently renovated National Museum of American History on Constitution Avenue, the proposed National Museum of African American History and Culture on Constitution Avenue between 14th and 15th Streets, and the proposed relocation of the National Aquarium within the Department of Commerce building f290、rom 14th Street to Constitution Avenue. Additionally, Congress recently passed legislation to reuse the Old Post Office (OPO) building and adjacent glass pavilion Annex to increase public access and use. 69 MONUMENTAL CORE FRAM EWO R K P LA N Aerial view of Pennsylvania Avenue and the Federal Triang291、le.The Framework Plan proposal for Pennsylvania Avenue and the Federal Triangle.Key ImprovementsEstablish New Destinations A. on Pennsylvania Avenue by concentrating a mix of office, culture, and hotel uses on Pennsylvania Avenue between 9th and 12th Streets, NW.Enhance the Public RealmB. by establi292、shing a welcoming, interconnected system of lively and beautiful streets, introducing sustainable public spaces, and improving the pedestrian experience and symbolic importance of Pennsylvania Avenue and the Federal Triangle. BAProposed Rail CorridorVehicular / Pedestrian Circulation EnhancementsOpe293、n Space / Public RealmEnhancementMetro TunnelPedestrian CirculationEnhancementInfill Development Opportunity EnvelopeReuse OpportunityVehicular TunnelRiparian Edge EnhancementDevelopment Opportunity Architect of the CapitolPlans in ProgressMemorials and MuseumsMaster Plan SiteExpanded Marina Activit294、iesAdditional Commemorative Opportunity SiteNew Metro EntrancesKey Axis in Historic City Plans14th St.7th St.Constitution Ave.The National MallD St.Pennsylvania AveE St.10th St.12th St.NCPC/CFALINK DOWNTOWN WITH THE NATIONAL MALL THE FEDERAL TRIANGLE70M O N UM E N TAL CORE F RA MEWORK PLA N Reuse of295、 the Old Post Office Building and redevelopment of the J. Edgar Hoover Building site with cultural, hospitality, commercial, and office uses can bring new urban vitality to Pennsylvania Avenue.Establish New Destinations on Pennsylvania AvenueNorth of Pennsylvania Avenue is the Penn Quarter, a vibran296、t live/work neighborhood and visitor destination. South of Constitution Avenue is the National Mall, the civic heart of the nations capital and the most popular tourist destination in Washington. In between lie Pennsylvania Avenue, the citys most significant and ceremonial street, and the Federal Tr297、iangle, an important and architecturally significant precinct of government buildings and federal headquarters. To better integrate these aspects of the nations capital, the Framework Plan recommends the development of a mixed-use destination on Pennsylvania Avenue between 9th and 12th Streets at th298、e current location of the Old Post Office Building and the J. Edgar Hoover Building.Redesign of this area will provide the opportunity to incorporate green site and building technologies in new construction and to retrofit existing buildings. This will advance the federal governments role as a leade299、r in sustainability and enable agencies to meet recently implemented federal green energy standards. THE OLD POST OFFICE The magnificent Old Post Office building has not fully realized its potential as an anchor destination along Pennsylvania Avenue. Adaptive reuse would honor the Richardsonian Roma300、nesque structure and make better use of its outdoor public space, thereby enlivening the area beyond the workday and contributing to the vitality of the public realm. Studies have indicated that most reuse scenarios would also require coordinated redevelopment of the adjacent annex. While the best u301、se has not yet been determined for this important site, preliminary review indicates that the OPO building and Annex would support a combination of uses, such as a hotel, museum, restaurant, and event space.If the Annex or its site were to be reused as a cultural institution operating separately fro302、m the OPO building, the Framework Plan recommends studying Current view of the Old Post Office Building located on Pennsylvania Avenue between the White House and U.S. Capitol.the feasibility of including the adjacent northern wing of the Internal Revenue Service Building in the new site. This would303、 give the new institution a presence on Pennsylvania Avenue and entrances from the 11th Street plaza and the 10th Street arcade. If necessary, the displaced IRS functions could be incorporated into new construction on the annex site and connected to the main wing of the IRS building.THE J. EDGAR HOO304、VER BUILDING If, in the long term, the FBI were better able to fulfill its mission in another building elsewhere in the District, redeveloping the J. Edgar Hoover Building site or adaptively reusing the building would contribute significantly to the rejuvenation of Pennsylvania Avenue. This developm305、ent would strengthen the avenue as an important thoroughfare, increase public activity on adjacent streets, and provide opportunities for commemoration. It could allow development of a well-designed, environmentally-efficient building and help modernize and humanize the federal workplace, increasing306、 the COURTESY OF THADDEUS O. COOPERNCPC/CFA, ILLUSTRATION BY EDAW71 MONUMENTAL CORE FRAM EWO R K P LA N efficient use of the site and contributing to downtowns economic vitality. If redeveloped, consideration should be given to configuring the site to reestablish D Street, thereby improving connecti307、vity in the area. Federal office buildings with street-level public uses could fill the block north of D Street. The block south of D Street facing Pennsylvania Avenue could be reserved for a museum with a prominent public plaza on the avenue. The new buildings could be designed to green building st308、andards and contribute to an energy cooperative. A green energy cooperative among federal agencies would allow new buildings designed to generate excess energy to share it with buildings whose historic nature restricts the installation of such technology. 10TH STREET CORRIDOR The 10th Street corrido309、r, which bisects this proposed new hub of activity, is an important connection between downtown and the monumental core. It has the potential to become a vibrant mixed-use corridor near the Old Convention Center site and a popular tourist destination near Fords Theatre, as well as a major link to th310、e Smithsonians National Museum of Natural History. It also functions as a Metrobus hub, serving the local employment base and providing a transfer point to bus routes and to four nearby Metrorail lines. Enhancing the functional and aesthetic quality of 10th Street between Pennsylvania and Constituti311、on Avenues would support the transformation of the area. Redesign of the area would improve walkability and pedestrian safety, and create an attractive and welcoming forecourt to the National Museum of Natural History. Improvements could also include streetscape redesign, street reconfiguration to a312、llow one-way southbound traffic for buses only, and appropriately placed and designed Metrobus ticketing and information facilities. An additional Metrorail entrance at the Old Post Office plaza could support easy transit transfers, encourage transit use, and ease traffic congestion. FREEDOM SQUARE 313、AND PERSHING PARK At the western end of Pennsylvania Avenue, the buildings and parks should be improved to encourage more lively street activity. Freedom Plaza and Pershing Park should be redesigned to become a cohesive space and a primary destination for local and national events. Pershing Park cou314、ld accommodate more restrooms and visitor services as well as a new indoor/outdoor garden pavilion offering food services. Freedom Plaza could serve as a primary civic square and incorporate amenities such as shade trees, seating, and interactive water features. As private buildings north of the ave315、nue are rehabilitated, they should be designed to reflect the dignity and prominance of the area they define. They should be programmed to increase the mix of uses, such as ground-floor retail and pedestrian amenities to encourage day and evening street life. Reuse the Old Post Office Annex and the 316、1. northern wing of the IRS building for a mix of hospitality and cultural uses.Redevelop or adaptively reuse the J. Edgar 2. Hoover Building site with a mix of federal offices, street-level retail, and cultural uses.Redesign the 10th Street streetscape as a 3. beautiful and welcoming forecourt to t317、he National Museum of Natural History and a transit commuting center.Improve Pennsylvania Avenue to increase 4. street life, culture, commerce, and the beauty and quality of the public realm.Improve pedestrian comfort and visitor 5. services at Pershing Park and at Freedom Plaza and strengthen the p318、lazas role as a premier civic space for the city of Washington.Improve pedestrian access by adding two 6. entrances to existing Metrorail stations. Construct new buildings to the highest 7. green building standards and develop a green energy cooperative to harvest renewable energy for use in histori319、c buildings within the Federal Triangle.1246635The Framework Plan proposal for a new destination on Pennsylvania Avenue.14th St.7th St.Constitution Ave.Pennsylvania AveE St.10th St.12th St.D St.National Museum of Natural HistoryThe National MallNationalArchivesInternalRevenueServicePershingParkFreed320、omPlaza7National Museum of American HistoryNCPC/CFALINK DOWNTOWN WITH THE NATIONAL MALL THE FEDERAL TRIANGLE72M O N UM E N TAL CORE F RA MEWORK PLA N Enhance the Public Realm Each branch of government is represented along Pennsylvania Avenue, and many executive agencies are located in the adjoining 321、Federal Triangle. As the countrys most important symbolic and ceremonial avenue and the center of the nations governance, this area should reflect the beauty of the nations capital and exemplify stability, vitality, accessibility, and stewardship. With its handsome buildings and marvelous civic art,322、 the public realm along Pennsylvania Avenue and throughout the Federal Triangle has enormous potential as one of Washingtons premier destinations. SUSTAINABLE STREETSCAPE Pennsylvania Avenue is a monumental avenue of great symbolic importance and a venue for nationally significant civic and ceremoni323、al activities. However, as envisioned by the Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation, it should also regain some of its liveliness with the inclusion of commerce and culture alongside its government functions. It is also time to renew Pennsylvania Avenues streetscape, parks, and plazas and find 324、ways to minimize the impact of perimeter security on the public realm. A comprehensive solution is needed to encourage people to use Pennsylvania Avenues public spaces and to ensure aesthetic continuity and adequate pedestrian safety on the grand boulevard. The wide sidewalks, abundant outdoor space325、s, and entry plazas should be enhanced with fountains, seating, improved landscaping, seasonal flowers, commemorative works, and public art. Sidewalk cafes, tasteful vending kiosks, seasonal activities, and community events could enliven nearby buildings and the avenue, contributing to a more memora326、ble Washington experience. The entries of the buildings fronting the avenue, the forecourts to significant buildings, and the triangular spaces along the street should be improved. Appropriate lighting could accentuate the areas art and architecture and significantly enhance the nighttime experience327、 along the avenue. In addition to minimizing the presence of perimeter security, redesign of the avenue should include green infrastructure and low-impact, sustainable design and maintenance practices to decrease the amount of impervious surface and allow for infiltration or harvesting of rainwater.328、 The federal government and the city should take leadership roles to connect people to natural systems and a more pleasant pedestrian environment, and to capture, treat, and reuse stormwater. Synergies between these goals should be explored; for example, perimeter security, stormwater management, an329、d pedestrian comfort all could be addressed with the construction of public realm bioswales, which would soften the urban streetscape and reduce stormwater runoff while establishing a security barrier. The ample building yards along Constitution Avenue could also support such an approach.PUBLIC SPAC330、ES The intersections on 6th, 7th, and 12th Streets at Pennsylvania and Constitution Avenues should be redesigned to provide a safer and more pleasant pedestrian environment and to encourage walking. Other streetscape improvements could include additional street trees, better lighting, and useful, we331、ll-designed street furniture. In addition, the building plazas where north-south views terminate at major public buildings should be improved to be more welcoming, such as 6th Street at the National Gallery of Art, 8th Street at the National Archives, and 10th Street at the National Museum of Natura332、l History. Other important locations that warrant improvement include Benjamin Franklin Circle on 12th Street, the proposed National Aquarium entrance on Constitution Avenue, and the Andrew Mellon fountain plaza on Constitution Avenue. One of the most important ways to improve public space and suppo333、rt the national cultural institutions in Enhancing Freedom Plaza to provide urban amenities and improve pedestrian comfort will establish a beautiful and welcoming civic space on the avenue. Pennsylvania Avenue is the Capitals premier ceremonial boulevard.Current view of Freedom Plaza, looking southeast toward the U.S. Capitol.COURTESY OF MICHELLE OBRIENEDAWNCPC/CFA, ILLUSTRATION BY EDAW73 MONUMEN