• By Stephen Staudigl
• June 05, 2026

NCPC Provides Comments on the New Monumental Arch

At its Thursday, June 4 meeting the National Capital Planning Commission provided comments on concept plans submitted by the U.S. Department of the Interior for a New Monumental Arch. The arch would be located in Memorial Circle on Columbia Island, located at the west terminus of Arlington Memorial Bridge in Washington, DC. The applicant said the arch would celebrate the triumphs of the American people, inspire patriotism and love of country, and beautify the nation’s capital. The overall height from the base to the top of the statuary would be 250 feet. 

The Commission noted the project’s overall purpose and requested several pieces of information from the applicant for the next stage of review. Included in this is a transportation or traffic study that identifies any potential impacts on the road network and level of service and evaluates proposed pedestrian access. They recommended that the applicant work with the Federal Highway Administration and other appropriate agencies regarding any proposed surface transportation network changes. Commissioners also requested information about parking and loading/unloading for arch visitors to ensure safe access while minimizing traffic disruptions.

The Commission also requested a justification of the project’s height in light of the Height of Buildings Act and requested the applicant continue coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration and provide an update as part of the next review. Commissioners supported the use of a seat wall as a security feature around the arch plaza and asked for information about the proposed arch and site materials palette, including cladding, paving, pedestrian features, and security elements, as well as the proposed lighting strategy.

NCPC also provided feedback on the Civil War Defenses of Washington General Management Plan (GMP) Amendment submitted by the National Park Service. Also known as the Fort Circle Parks, the defenses were built as a circle of fortifications on high ground to protect the capital during the Civil War. They include 17 fort sites across approximately 1,315 acres in Washington, Maryland, and Virginia. The plan updates management zones parkwide and builds upon, and adjusts, elements of the 2004 Fort Circle Parks GMP to meet current and future needs including broad direction for the use, management, and development of the defenses. The Commission supported the National Park Service’s goal to balance the protection of cultural and natural resources within the Civil War Defenses while expanding community uses and visitor improvements.

NCPC then approved final site development plans submitted by the U.S. Air Force for a new 3.8-mile, hard-surface South Capitol Street Trail proposed by the District Department of Transportation between the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Firth-Sterling Gate and DC Village. The project includes a number of improvements including the realignment of several decorative brick perimeter fence sections; tree/vegetation removal and new landscaping; re-grading; new lighting; and new ADA-accessible ramps.

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. Comments to the Council of the District of Columbia regarding the Closing of a Public Alley in Square 571 - S.O. 25-01939, 440 First Street, NW. (8652)
2. Final master plan for the Naval Support Facility Suitland - Final Area Development Plan and Transportation Management Plan Updates, 4215 Suitland Road Suitland, Maryland. (MP215)

The Executive Director approved four 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 National Zoological Park Beaver Otter Raven Habitat Revitalization, 3001 Connecticut Avenue, NW. (8782)
2. Preliminary and final site development plans for the Armed Forces Retirement Home New Fountain Installation, 3700 North Capitol Street, NW. (8783)
3. Preliminary and final site development plans for the 16th Street, NW Landscaped Medians, 16th Street between H and K Streets, NW. (8780)
4. Preliminary and final site development plans for the Branchville Water Tower Antenna Modifications, 6900 Powder Mill Road, Beltsville, Maryland. (8781)