NASM Construct Integrated Bezos Learning Center

The site was originally an open terrace space where a glass restaurant addition pavilion was added in 1988. In 2023 this addition was demolished. The BLC will house and present programs focused on the work of NASM and efforts that uniquely bring together resources and expertise from across the Smithsonian. The project also includes a ground-floor restaurant space, a permanent location for the Phoebe Waterman Haas Observatory, and renovations to the loading dock and other basement space at the east end.

NHPA Section 106 Process
Pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), a Programmatic Agreement was developed and signed on March 30, 2022 by the Smithsonian Institution, the District of Columbia State Historic Preservation Office, and NCPC regarding the NASM East End Project, which encompassed the restaurant addition demolition and the BLC design and construction. The Smithsonian Institution will be the lead agency pursuant to 36 CFR § 800.2(a)(2) and NCPC will fulfill its Section 106 responsibilities by participating in consultation and signing any agreement documents related to resolving adverse effects related to the project.

Programmatic Agreement

Consultation Meetings
The Smithsonian Institution will conduct a series of consultation meetings to evaluate the project and the design and its potential to result in adverse effects to historic resources.

Meeting Information

NEPA Process
NCPC is the lead agency for purposes of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance due to the Commission’s approval authority for projects on federal land. NCPC will work with the Smithsonian Institution as outlined in a Memorandum of Agreement regarding implementation of NEPA requirements for the BLC project. The NEPA public scoping period began September 29, 2023. A recording of the November 1, 2023 NEPA Public Scoping Meeting can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/cdoUZOWJfHo. The draft Environmental Assessment was released for public comment on November 12, 2024. Updates about the NEPA process and public comment periods will be posted here when available.

MOA Environmental Assessment