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The Federal Planning Agency for America's Capital
Project Information
A list of submitted materials and information for a project reviewed by the Commission. Materials are grouped by the date of the meeting, the agenda type, and the requested action.
8778: New Monumental Arch (Submitted by: United States Department of the Interior)
| Commission Date: | July 9, 2026 |
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| Agenda Type: | Open Session |
| Requested Action: | approval of preliminary site and building plans |
| Commission Action: | The National Capital Planning Commission approved preliminary site and building plans submitted by the U.S. Department of the Interior for a New Monumental Arch, with comments to be addressed prior to final review. 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. Commissioners supported the project’s purpose to celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial and noted that any structure at this location must balance urban design, visitors’ experience, historic preservation, transportation, and other considerations. They supported integration of security features to help protect visitors while not detracting from the project’s design and found that the addition of pedestrian-activated traffic signals will provide safer circulation for visitors and daily commuters. Commissioners noted that NCPC is continuing to consider the positions regarding the Height of Buildings Act and whether it is binding on the federal government, which the Commission will need to decide prior to taking final action on the project. Commissioners requested that the applicant provide a justification for the project’s height when it returns to NCPC for final approval. Commissioners also requested updated information regarding potential off-site impacts to the vehicular transportation network; details regarding pick-up, drop-off, and loading locations; details about any navigational or safety lighting required by the Federal Aviation Administration; and information regarding the final granite cladding selection. |
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| Commission Date: | June 4, 2026 |
| Agenda Type: | Open Session |
| Requested Action: | approval of comments on concept plans |
| Commission Action: | 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. |
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The National Capital Planning Commission is the federal government's planning agency for the National Capital Region.
The 12-member Commission meets monthly to adopt, approve, or provide advice on plans and projects that impact the nation's capital and surrounding areas.
