Monumental Core Projects

Introduction

Beautiful and functional streetscapes contribute to the identity, character, comfort, and experience of public life in the nation's capital. A consistent and cohesive palette of durable materials and well-placed trees, plants, and furnishings establish clear and coherent public spaces in the monumental core. The 1992 National Mall Streetscape Manual, as amended, currently guides streetscape design on the National Mall and vicinity where federal offices and open spaces are concentrated.

NCPC, in collaboration with an Interagency Working Group, is undertaking the Monumental Core Streetscape Project, an initiative to update the 1992 National Mall Streetscape Manual. The first phase of work focuses on development of a streetscape framework and development of lighting policy for areas within the 1992 Streetscape Manual boundary.

The Streetscape Framework identifies, categorizes, and provides principles for streets within the 1992 boundary. In a separate but concurrent effort, NCPC is also collaborating with the District of Columbia government to review, assess, and document existing guidance and current practices for streets of national significance outside the 1992 boundary. The purpose of this effort is to help unify the capital city by improving transitions and coordination.

The Lighting Policy identifies a hierarchy for illuminated elements in the monumental core and provides guidance for streetlighting in or adjacent to federal properties. This work is also being coordinating with the District of Columbia Government.

The streetscape framework and lighting policy will inform the Streetscape Manual update, which partner agencies will use to guide planning, design, construction, and maintenance to achieve coordinated and consistent streetscapes within the 1992 boundary of the monumental core and to coordinate with the District on streetscapes within the vicinity.

In November 2019, the Commission reviewed the concept plans for the Streetscape Framework and Lighting Policy. NCPC initiated a 60-day public comment period that closed on March 14, 2020.

Background

The Streetscape Manual was first created in 1992 by Federal Highway Administration, National Park Service, Architect of the Capitol, and District Department of Transportation to guide the design and implementation of coordinated and consistent streetscapes in the National Mall and vicinity. In 2005, other agencies joined this federal-local streetscape stewardship effort including NCPC, US Commission of Fine Arts, General Services Administration, National Gallery of Art, and Smithsonian Institution. By 2012, the Streetscape Manual had successfully guided over 25 roadway projects; however, agencies recognized the need to update the Manual.

Agencies asked NCPC to lead coordination of a two-phased update. In 2013, NCPC completed phase one which included documenting existing streetscape elements, removing obsolete information, and reformatting and digitizing the Streetscape Manual. In 2017, NCPC began phase two of the Streetscape Manual Update which includes developing the following:

1. Urban Design Streetscape Framework, including Federal Lighting Policy
2. Streetscape Design Guidelines
3. Streetscape Construction Manual Amendments

The Streetscape Framework and Lighting Policy will be used as the basis for developing the Streetscape Design Guidelines and the Streetscape Construction Manual Amendments.