April Meeting Recap

NCPC approved preliminary and final site building plans for a new District of Columbia Archives Building (image above) on the University of the District of Columbia campus. Commissioners praised the design and enhanced landscaping that includes additional trees and a greater variety of pollinator plants.

NCPC accepted the Monumental Core Streetscape Design Guidelines: Small-Scale Elements, which ensure consistency of furnishings and civic infrastructure, such as benches and bicycle racks. The Commission commended this effort to support beautiful and functional streetscapes in the monumental core.

Commissioners heard two information presentations. The first presented findings from Pulling Together, Beyond Granite’s pilot exhibition that explored the potential of temporary artwork to expand stories told on and around the National Mall. Initial results showed that the pilot was a success and well-received by visitors.  Staff also presented ways to untangle highways in Foggy Bottom and improve connections to the Kennedy Center, as part of the Kennedy Center-Foggy Bottom Area Study.