• By Stephen Staudigl
• December 06, 2024

NCPC Approves Peace Corps Commemorative Park Final Plans

At its December 5, 2024 meeting the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) approved final site development plans for the Peace Corps Commemorative Park. Submitted by the National Park Service, in collaboration with the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation, plans are for an approximately 7,200 square feet park in a triangular-shaped plot bounded by Louisiana Avenue, NW, First Street, NW, and C Street, NW. Commissioners expressed support for the mission of the Peace Corps and appreciated the applicant’s responsiveness to previous comments.

The Commission also approved preliminary site and building plans submitted by the Smithsonian Intuition for the National Air and Space Museum Construct Integrated Bezos Learning Center. The three-level, approximately 80,000 square foot addition is proposed for the museum’s east end on the National Mall. Components will include a restaurant, learning center, special event space, two civic green spaces (Learning Courtyard and Astronomy Park), and a permanent location for the Pheobe Waterman Haas Public Observatory.

Commissioners thought that the proposed building materials would complement the existing museum’s exterior and recommended that the relationship of the addition’s south elevation termination adjacent to the museum be further explored. Commissioners recommended further study of the proposed lighting to ensure it is compatible with the context of the National Mall. They requested further details regarding the amount of paving and shade in the Astronomy Park and Learning Courtyard. Commissioners also inquired about wayfinding, which the applicant noted will be further developed before the next review. NCPC anticipates reviewing final plans in spring/summer 2025.

NCPC approved preliminary and final site and building plans submitted by the Department of Defense, Washington Headquarters Service for the Pentagon Metro Entrance Pedestrian Access Control Point. The approximately 18,000 square feet facility will be an addition to the existing Metrorail Entrance Facility and provide space for employee screening prior to entering the Pentagon. Commissioners supported the overall design, commenting that the changes made since concept review improved both the look and feel of the addition. The changes will also provide more natural light and make it a more welcoming entry for Pentagon employees.

Commissioners provided comments on the Joint Base Anacostia Bolling Honor Guard Campus Area Development Plan submitted by the U.S. Air Force. The campus is designed to support the rigorous training and operational needs of Air Force ceremonial units at the base, and the plan seeks to consolidate campus development with modernized facilities. Components include administrative buildings, dormitories, storage, parking, and training/practice space.

Commissioners supported the plan as a framework for sustainable campus growth and the removal of surface parking through the addition of garages. Among their requests for the next review stage are that the Air Force evaluate the proposed placement of buildings to create a stronger campus entrance, consider locating the parking garages along the freeway, and reinforce the central ceremonial lawn through appropriate building massing and design. They also recommended that the Air Force consider a campus-wide stormwater management approach.

The Commission then approved preliminary site development plans submitted by Air Force for the District Department of Transportation South Capitol Street Trail at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling. The 3.8-mile, hard-surface pedestrian and cyclist trail would be part of the larger Anacostia Riverwalk Trail network. Proposed by the District Department of Transportation, it would run between Joint Base Anacostia Bolling’s Firth-Sterling Gate and the Oxon Hill Farm Trail along DC Village Lane. Commissioners supported the efforts to improve accessibility to the base.

NCPC staff made an information presentation on the agency’s Flood Risk Management Initiative, which was initiated this fall as a way to develop a comprehensive understanding of flood risk approaches along the Potomac River. Because the federal government controls the majority of Washington’s riverfront, it has an interest in managing flood risks. NCPC is working with several agencies currently doing flooding related studies to share resources, consider gaps or differences, look at potential impacts among neighboring facilities, and ensure effective federal operations. No action is taken on information presentations.

Commission actions and related materials are available online..

The Commission approved two items on the Consent Calendar (no presentations were made). Unless otherwise noted, the projects are in Washington, DC.
1. Preliminary and final building plans for the National Air and Space Museum Wireless Communications Equipment Installation, Independence Avenue and 6th Street, SW. (8606)
2. Final building plans for the William Howard Taft Bridge Pedestrian Railing Improvements, Northwest, Washington, DC. (8504)

The Executive Director approved seven items under authority delegated by the Commission. Unless otherwise noted, the projects are in Washington, DC.
1. Preliminary and final site development plans for the ATF Headquarters Perimeter Fence Extension and Permanent Ladders, 99 New York Avenue, NE. (8601)
2. Preliminary and final site and building plans for the New Executive Office Building and Eisenhower Executive Office Building President's Park Officer Posts. (8604)
3. Final site and building plans for the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center South, 702 Valley Avenue, SE. (8534)
4. Comments to the Council of the District of Columbia for the Proposed Public Street Opened and a Portion of a Public Street Closed in Square 1112-E - S.O. 23-01560. (8607)
5. Preliminary and final site development plans for the Chinatown Park Lotus Sculpture Temporary Installation, 5th, 6th, and I Streets NW, and Massachusetts Avenue, NW. (8589)
6. Report to the Zoning Commission of the District of Columbia for the Consolidated Planned Unit Development and Related Map Amendment, 4337-4347 and 4353-4363 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW; 201-211 and 200-210 Elmira Street, SW. (ZC 23-29)
7. Report to the Zoning Commission of the District of Columbia for the Text Amendment to Subtitle K, Section 230.4 for Building 173 in The Yards, 301 Water Street, SE. (ZC 24-08)