June 5, 2008

Medical Facility Additions, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD
(File Number 6759)

At its June meeting, the National Capital Planning Commission reviewed plans for new medical facility additions (Buildings A and B) at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center located in Bethesda, Maryland. The submission from the U.S. Department of the Navy involves renovating 261,000 square feet of the existing facility and constructing two new buildings to accommodate the medical expansion required by the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) recommendations.

The proposed design includes construction of a new six-story building (Building A) of 533,000 square feet to accommodate a new outpatient facility, and a new four-story addition (Building B) of 157,000 square feet to expand diagnostic and critical care functions.

The new buildings will border Building One, an existing historic structure on the campus. The design of both new buildings will complement Building One’s classical/art deco aesthetic. Site improvements related to the new buildings include landscaping and utility/infrastructure improvements to the central equipment plant. The historic courtyards behind Building One will be preserved. Eight Willow Oak trees will be added to complement the existing tree species on the site and frame Building One as the visual centerpiece of the Medical Center.

The Commission approved preliminary and final site and building plans for the project and commended the applicant for a well developed, sophisticated, and complementary addition to the campus that will enhance the appearance of historic Building One, as well as the overall image of the Medical Center.

See the Commission Action and Staff Recommendation

National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD
(File Number 6849)

The Commission approved preliminary and final site and building plans for the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE). The new facility, located on the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center campus, will be dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, education, and research of post traumatic stress disorders and traumatic brain injuries. The project will replace Building 12, a historic structure on the site constructed in 1941.

As proposed, the NICoE project calls for demolishing existing Building 12 to construct a new two-story, 80,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility. The building design incorporates architectural pre-cast concrete, aluminum-framed windows with tinted laminated low-e glass, and a floating roof plane over the treatment spaces. The site plan includes a vehicular drop-off driveway, a playground area to support diagnosis and family treatment, and select plantings to create a therapeutic landscape.

The new building also will incorporate sustainable design features, including collection of stormwater runoff, energy efficient glazing and roofing systems (including reflective and/or green roofs), use of daylighting techniques, façade design responsive to sun angles, and renewable finish materials. The building is expected to receive a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver rating for green building design.

The Commission commended the applicant and their design team for a well developed, innovative design that integrates with the traditional architecture of the historic buildings and is a positive addition to the campus.

See the Commission Action and Staff Recommendation

Federal Capital Improvements Program, 2009-2014
(File Number 1485)

The Commission authorized circulation of the Proposed Federal Capital Improvements Program for the National Capital Region, Fiscal Years 2009-2014 (FCIP). This year’s report contains 195 proposed projects, 163 of which are recommended for funding at an estimated cost of $8.6 billion over the six-year period. The remaining 32 projects are recommended for future programming.

The Armed Forces (including the Air Force, Army, and Navy) and the General Services Administration submitted the greatest number of projects, at 51 and 40, respectively. Of the 163 projects recommended for funding, 77 are earmarked for the District of Columbia, worth an estimated $4.2 billion. Prince George’s and Montgomery counties in Maryland combine for a total of 50 projects estimated at $2.1 billion.

Release of the report commences the 45-day public review period during which federal, state, and local authorities as well as interested organizations and individuals may provide comments. Adoption of the FCIP is tentatively scheduled for the September 4, 2008 Commission meeting.

See the Commission Action and Staff Recommendation

Consent Calendar: The Commission voted on Consent Calendar items without staff presentations or public testimony.

Delegated Decisions: Projects for which the Commission delegated decision-making authority to the Chairman, Executive Committee, or Executive Director.