NCPC - Framework Plan

Adopted Framework Plan
Available for Review

The Monumental Core Framework Plan: Connecting New Destinations with the National Mall received unanimous approval from the Commission during its April 2 meeting. The plan, a joint product of NCPC and the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, aims to create vibrant and accessible destinations in the federal precincts surrounding the National Mall. An early draft was released in July for a 90-day public comment period. The final plan incorporates suggestions and feedback provided by the public and stakeholders. The Framework Plan was previously adopted by CFA on March 19.

Learn more about the plan in the Executive Director's Report and in the Framework Plan brochure.

The plan is accessible below (please be patient, it is a large document) or by request at FrameworkPlan@ncpc.gov.

Cover
Introduction
Context
Themes and Strategies
Southwest Rectangle
Potomac Park
Northwest Rectangle
Federal Triangle
Action Agenda

Download the full document as zip file 350 MB

Background

From its founding in 1791, Washington has faced the challenge of balancing its roles as a showcase for the nation and an appealing home for its residents. Today, federal planners are working harder than ever to ensure that improvements to the capital's monuments and public spaces benefit residents and visitors alike.

In July 2008, NCPC and the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) released their joint signature planning effort, the Framework Plan. By showing how to create new destinations for cultural attractions throughout the city and improve the connections among them, the Framework Plan will provide a comprehensive approach to easing demand for construction on the National Mall while creating lively urban spaces throughout the city.

Our Dual Mission

National Capital Framework Plan Study Area

Framework Plan Study Area (click map to enlarge)

Everyone who cares deeply about our nation's capital agrees that something needs to be done about the National Mall. As the country's pivotal forum for democratic expression and its most desired location for monuments and memorials, the Mall is now in danger of becoming a casualty of its own popularity.

Heavy use has damaged the Mall's turf, sidewalks, and furnishings, creating chronic maintenance problems for the National Park Service, its official caretaker. And, despite a 2003 congressional amendment to the Commemorative Works Act that declared the Mall a "no-build zone," demand for the prime location continues.

To meet the need for new memorials and museums while relieving pressure on the National Mall, it is essential to provide other venues of national significance for cultural attractions and public gatherings.

The Framework Plan illustrates how places such as Banneker Overlook or the Kennedy Center Plaza can be transformed by thoughtful planning into highly desirable sites for striking memorials, significant cultural attractions, or public festivals. Just as important, these redesigned locations can provide valuable resources such as open space, retail opportunities, and recreational areas to surrounding neighborhoods.

Continuing the Legacy

From Extending the Legacy: Planning America's Capital for the 21st Century

The Framework Plan builds on NCPC's earlier efforts, including the award-winning 1997 Extending the Legacy plan. NCPC's 2001 follow-up to Legacy, the Memorials and Museums Master Plan, identified 100 off-the-Mall sites for commemorative works and cultural attractions. Six of these underutilized parcels have now been selected for new memorials, including the U.S. Air Force Memorial and the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial.

However, many of the remaining sites require significant improvements for museum and memorial sponsors to deem them suitable. The Framework Plan will present concept designs for off-the-Mall locations, showing how a variety of approaches tailored to each site can convert isolated, neglected, or unwelcoming areas into appealing destinations for residents and tourists alike.
Watercolor visions of revitalized, mixed-use spaces
The Framework Plan will also illustrate how well-situated, yet underutilized locations like Banneker Overlook, Potomac Park, and Northwest Rectangle can be enhanced by improving pedestrian flow, increasing the availability of public transit, and removing obstructions such as elevated highways and rail lines.

Districts with high concentrations of federal office buildings, like Federal Triangle and Southwest Rectangle, are now deserted outside of business hours. The Framework Plan will show how improving streetscapes, reclaiming neglected or restricted public spaces, and promoting mixed-use development will enliven these areas around the clock and provide much-needed amenities for tourists in the monumental core.

Finally, the Framework Plan will complement the restoration of Washington's riverfronts, improving the connections among sites already slated for commemorative works and cultural attractions, such as RFK Stadium and South Capitol Street at the terminus of Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge.

Cooperation and Public Participation

NCPC and CFA worked closely with the key local and federal stakeholders, such as the General Services Administration, the National Park Service, and the District of Columbia government in preparing this plan. Grassroots input is essential to the success of the Framework Plan, and three well-attended public events have provided important contributions to the ongoing work.

Several of the nation's top urban planners, designers, and scholars gathered on April 11, 2007 for “Framing a Capital City,” a symposium organized by NCPC, the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA), and the National Building Museum. NCPC and its partners convened the symposium, held at the Museum, to provide direction to the National Capital Framework Plan. The public event attracted nearly 200 people to each of five lively panel discussions held throughout the day. All were moderated by Robert Ivy, editor in chief of Architectural Record.

For more information, read more under Public Events, consult the answers to Frequently Asked Questions, view the Framework Plan brochure, or contact NCPC at info@ncpc.gov.