• By Bsrat Mezghebe
• February 23, 2022

NCPC Releases Monumental Core Streetscape Design Guidelines for Public Comment

Washington’s downtown monumental core features some of the most important civic, cultural, and symbolic structures in the city and nation. Several federal and District agencies are responsible for improving and maintaining its appearance, including the streetscapes in and around the National Mall. Along with these agencies, NCPC drafted Streetscape Design Guidelines, which inform the placement and characteristics of streetscape elements in this area. The guidelines are available for public comment from February 9 to May 11, 2022.

Streetscape elements in the monumental core inform the design character and physical quality of roadways, and ultimately contribute to the experience enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. The Streetscape Design Guidelines are focused on vertical and surface elements, including streetlights, trees, plantings, and pavements. They also respond to new conditions such as stormwater management and coordination of pedestrian space with other modes of travel.

At its February 3, 2022 meeting, NCPC staff presented the draft guidelines, and the Commission authorized their release for public review. The public is invited to read the draft guidelines and submit comments for inclusion in the formal written record (see the Initiative Page linked below). The public can also attend two upcoming online meetings to learn more and share their thoughts. Public input will inform final guideline development, which will continue through 2022 and address small-scale elements, like benches, bike racks, and car charging stations.

These efforts are the second phase of the Monumental Core Streetscape Project, an initiative to update the 1992 National Mall Streetscape Manual. The first phase was completed in 2019 and included the development of the Streetscape Framework and Lighting Policy. The remaining phase is the update of the 1992 construction manual.



Initiative Page March 23 Event March 30 Event