Project (7025) Document or Notice Agency Seeking Comment/ Posting Notice Date Posted Closing Date
Perimeter Security Improvements at the American Pharmacists Association Building

Draft Environmental Assessment
[PDF 25.1MB]
United States Department of State
October 18, 2011 November 16, 2011
Description of Project

The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) building has served as APhA's national headquarters since the original structure was constructed in 1935. In 2009, APhA completed construction of an addition to the building on the north side of the original structure. Although the building continues to serve as the headquarters of APhA, the 2009 addition also houses office space that is leased to the U. S. General Services Administration (GSA).

To accommodate the presence of U. S. Department of State (DoS) employees in the building and to meet Interagency Security Committee (ISC) security standards, DoS proposes the construction of perimeter security measures along both 22nd and 23rd Streets NW, between C Street NW and Constitution Avenue NW, in Washington, DC. The enclosed DEA analyzes the impacts of several perimeter security alternatives that explore options for the location and arrangement of the proposed perimeter security measures, which include security barriers, guard booths, landscaped setback areas and retractable vehicular barriers.

Input Requested
Written and online public Comments

Submit Comments to:
Dominic Tondo, Project Manager
A/OPR/RPM/DC
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street NW, Room 1264
Washington DC. 20520

E-mail comments may be submitted on-line at: TondoD@state.gov

Commission Action Requested
NCPC staff review of the Draft EA

Expected Date of NCPC Action
Winter 2012

Historic Preservation (section 106) Consultation Process
DoS held an introductory meeting on perimeter security improvements at APhA with representatives of the District of Columbia State Historic Preservation Office (DCSHPO), the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), and the National Park Service (NPS), on September 22, 2009. DoS formally initiated Section 106 consultation with the DCSHPO and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) on February 17, 2010. DoS responded to ACHP’s request for further information to satisfy regulatory requirements under 36 CFR 800.11(e) on June 16, 2010. After this date, the scope of the undertaking was expanded to include sidewalk improvements on 22nd and 23rd Streets. Informal meetings between DoS, review agencies (including the DCSHPO), and neighbors took place on October 27 and November 3, 2010, to introduce the sidewalk improvements. A revised undertaking letter was distributed to the DCSHPO, the ACHP, and consulting parties on September 26, 2011. A formal Section 106 consultation meeting is anticipated during the 30-day review period for the Draft EA.
Other Information