"They also propose to narrow Pennsylvania and Maryland Avenues, and to convert them from parking lots to more pedestrian-friendly streets. "

Best part of plan

by JJJJJ on May 8, 2012 2:00 pm • link • report

Rather than address the fundamental deficiencies with the [Washington Monument] grounds as a whole, the design focuses closely on the southeast corner and largely ignores the rest.

That's not really a deficiency of the design - all of the entries only focused on the southeast corner of the grounds, because that was the scope of the competition - which was really more about the Sylvan Theater grounds, not the Washington Monument grounds.

Many Washingtonians feel that Constitution Gardens is the best part of the Mall already. Certainly it's the most unique, with its informal pond and romantic pathways.

Who are these Washingtonians? In my view, the current Constitution Gardens are both boring and poorly maintained - not a good combination. It's neither a natural setting nor it is a landscaped one. They're a weird spot between the WWII Memorial and the Vietnam Memorial.

by Alex B. on May 8, 2012 2:01 pm • link • report

I'm not used to playing the role of a NIMBY here, but having spent many, many hours photographing bird life at Constitution Gardens, I strongly oppose what they're planning to do to it. Specifically the glass-walled restaurant adjacent to the lake is a problem. If you're unfamiliar with the non-geese, non-mallard birds at the lake, there are dozens of species of migratory birds that stopover at the lake at various times of year. Introducing an illuminated glass box will draw these birds to their deaths by striking the glass. Common city birds like pigeons and starlings would be unaffected; instead, migratory species would suffer. The swallows that currently swoop low over the water will surely be victimized by a large glass wall that's illuminated at night. A restaurant is fine, just construct it out of anything but glass, and have smaller, more bird-friendly windows- or set it back further from the lake, which is basically a landing strip for waterfowl.
I'm not a big fan of the ice rink idea, either, which will be a pretty intensive use during the quiet winter months. The charm of Constitution Gardens is its peaceful, natural state, an oasis for wildlife in the heart of the city. If you have any doubts, just go to my Flickr photostream and search constitutiongardens (no space), and count the various species of birds that reside there.
I don't deny that a makeover is needed. The paths around the lake are in terrible shape, the signer's memorial on the island is pretty lackluster, but basically, it's a lake in a green park, and should stay that way.
For more info on the toll glass strikes take on birds in the DC area, see: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/04/lights-out-dc-city-wildlife-dead-birds_n_1475094.html

by MrTinDC on May 8, 2012 2:13 pm • link • report

"Many Washingtonians feel that Constitution Gardens is the best part of the Mall already. Certainly it's the most unique, with its informal pond and romantic pathways." I'm one of these Washingtonians. The 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence is one of the best monuments in town, and very few people know it's there.

by @SamuelMoore on May 8, 2012 2:15 pm • link • report

More on the really bad idea of building a glass-walled, illuminated restaurant/pavilion in the middle of what is a birding hotspot, Constitution Gardens:

http://archive.audubonmagazine.org/features0403/alert.html

by MrTinDC on May 8, 2012 2:18 pm • link • report

"In contrast to Constitution Gardens, the Washington Monument grounds are probably the worst section of the Mall. The giant grass lawns are not destinations to anyone but a few softball players. Rather, they are long, empty voids that tired visitors must traverse."

Is there no solution that would let sports remain on the monument grounds. One of the coolest things about dc.

by greg on May 8, 2012 2:24 pm • link • report

"but a few softball players"

That is a grossly incorrect representation of how the space around the Monument (and the rest of the Mall) is used. Just check the NPS field permit requests...

by ckstevenson on May 8, 2012 2:26 pm • link • report

No one would propose demolishing the Mall, or seriously changing its basic character

I would. Or, at least a major rethinking of the mall, and the ways that it's used. Large strips of grass with no trees just don't work well in our climate.

The NPS's most recent master plan for the mall was an absolutely awful document. It was a several-hundred-pages long pat on the back that encouraged the park service to rehabilitate decaying structures (most of which aren't old enough to be considered historic) to their original condition, and continue doing exactly what they've been doing all along. Yawn. If the mall was in good shape, I might be able to forgive a report with such an astonishing lack of vision, but it's not.

That said, this is the first I've heard that they actually intend to build some of these designs. That's a very good step in the right direction.

The mall needs more small and intimate spaces sprinkled throughout it (which is one of the things that makes NY's Central Park work so darn well). We've got a few; the Sculpture Garden's great, and the Ripley Garden is awesome. Improving Constitution Gardens is a great step in the right direction, and I'd love to see the same mentality spread to the Mall's other spaces. (NPS also needs to figure out how to draw people to some of these spaces. Constitution Gardens is pretty remote)

I'm just not sure that we actually need the vast, mile-long promenade between the Capitol and Washington Monument. It's the busiest and most visible portion of the Mall, and nobody has a vision for what it should/could be.

However, I do like that the Washington Monument stands by itself on a small hilltop. It frames the Monument wonderfully. I think that section of the mall actually works really well, even if the space isn't used all that effectively.

I just don't see the proposed amphitheatre actually being used at anything near capacity. Ever. Most of the programming on the mall is bland and inoffensive to the extreme. They need to fix that before building big gathering spaces.

We need better architectural standards for the Smithsonian buildings. Failing that, we should cover them in trees. The African-American museum does not really improve things, and I would caution against further encroachments into the Mall's open spaces, because we're never going to get them back.

The plan for Union Square is great, and will do a lot to improve that space. Any improvements in that will need to be coupled with *massive* pedestrian-access improvements in the area, in order to feel like a seamless extension of the mall. Also, I really like the idea of building a mirror of the Botanic Gardens to the north.

by andrew on May 8, 2012 2:27 pm • link • report

These plans all look pretty good. The mall needs to be more integrated with the rest of the city.

Essential part of this: make constitution avenue more pedestrian friendly. What is it, eight lanes? Absurd. There is already a traffic light at every block. create a raised median with trees/flowers or something, separated bike lanes... etc.

Waiting to cross constitution around 12th-14th street is never fun. Actually, anywhere.

by Nick on May 8, 2012 2:50 pm • link • report

I hadn't thought of it until now, but I think the African American Museum could have gone on the spot north of Union Square to mirror the Botanical Gardens instead of the Center for Emerging Voices (what is that anyway?).

And I'm very much not a fan of the pedestrian bridge over Independent Ave at the Monument. Seems like we're just accepting the fact that cars are given priority there instead of trying to integrate pedestrians and cyclists.

by 7r3y3r on May 8, 2012 3:06 pm • link • report

*Independence Ave.*

by 7r3y3r on May 8, 2012 3:08 pm • link • report

I only have 2 words to suggest for the National Mall designs: native plants.

by Colleen on May 8, 2012 3:17 pm • link • report

Count me as another fan of the memorial to the signers of the Declaration. It would be nice to see a few more small memorials like that sprinkled about, too - a comparable one for the Constitution, perhaps?

by Ser Amantio di Nicolao on May 8, 2012 3:41 pm • link • report

A faulty statement: "It would still be an imperfect space, poorly connected to the living city around it."

In the more than four decades I've lived in-and-around the DC area...I've never heard anyone suggest The Mall was not 'connected' to the living city around it...which I suspect urban planners dwell upon endlessly.

First of all, this is the Nation's Capital...the National Mall is loved by many who come and visit here. It is a space 'connected' with the American people whether they 'live here' or not. It is a grand space anchored by Monuments and The Capitol and captures the manifest greatness and expansiveness of the nation.

That said, aside from the disagreeable glass structure at Constitutions Gardens...these designs seem tolerable. It was certainly a far more 'interesting' city when ball games ,frisbees, footballs, kites, volley balls etc. were seen all over The Mall, Lincoln Memorial Grounds to the north and The Elipse.

At least these plans, as pictured, don't do too much harm to what is already a beautiful space...however imperfect.

What would be better news is for the Park Service to quit foot dragging and the President & Congress free-up funds to reopen the Washington Monument ASAP!

by Pelham1861 on May 8, 2012 3:42 pm • link • report

I disagree that Constitution Gardens needs to be better connected to Constitution Ave. I like the ability to be there and feel that I am away from the city streets beyond. I ride through there on my way to work when I ride, and I really like its seclusion. That's also why this pick seems too intrusive. It's too much.

I had no idea there was a memorial to the signers of the Declaration of Independence. I'll have to check it out. dumb me. :)

by rdhd on May 8, 2012 3:50 pm • link • report

I've never heard anyone suggest The Mall was not 'connected' to the living city around it.

That's because no one in the DC area really talks about, thinks about, or goes to the mall, outside of a few softball and kickball players or joggers with a nearby job who run there after work.

The mall is a non-entity for DC residents, and that's actually sort of the problem.

The "problem", if you want to call it that, of things like Jazz in the Garden and Screen on the Green is that they draw more locals to the Mall and consequently start more people saying, "the Mall needs some serious work if we're going to keep coming here!"

by JustMe on May 8, 2012 4:10 pm • link • report

The Union Square proposal is interesting. Now that this area is under the Architect of the Capitol, and not the NPS, it seems unlikely that Congress will okay a reduction in the size of the pool, but we can hope.

by Richard Layman on May 8, 2012 4:10 pm • link • report

No one would propose demolishing the Mall, or seriously changing its basic character

Except for maybe Thomas Jefferson, who probably would be shocked that 200+ years later we are still using his basic immitation of the Palladio style mixed with the Roman Forum.

That's because no one in the DC area really talks about, thinks about, or goes to the mall, outside of a few softball and kickball players or joggers with a nearby job who run there after work.

Not true in my experience. I was born in D.C. (How many on here can say that for starters?) and I've lived in the DC area now for over 20 years and I often visit the Mall...the museums long the Mall, the sculpture garden, the monuments, etc...I'd say on average at least 4-6 times a year, which is pretty good and more than I frequent any other single location in the city.

As for the winning design, what sealed it for me was the hillside ampitheatre...genius idea, modeled on the Greek theatre at Epidaurus that I believe, will bring much more positive energy to that space and will also provide for another much needed viable outdoor concert/performance space for the city.

Other than Wolf Trap (which is super far away) and the Carter Baron (not Metro accessible/far away), there really aren't many serious options for truely professional outdoor entertainment.

And I am concerned about what was posted regarding the glass and the birds. Has someone alerted them? Perhaps changing the structure to make it an opaque glass would help? Also would help prevent glare from the sun in that rather exposed area.

by LuvDusty on May 8, 2012 4:23 pm • link • report

A bookstore. That's forward-thinking.

The glass-enclosed, illuminated restaurant? Another nostalgia effort? Fans of the deceased Tavern on the Green in Central Park will look forward to that. Anyone with taste or class? Not so much.

Leaving the northwest corner of the Capitol grounds untouched seems like a bad idea. However, it might be the most forward-thinking idea. It's a natural space for a monument to a future President or fallen soldiers of some future war. Perhaps a national museum of electronics and information technology. war. it's probably not a bad idea to leave a prime space open, for some future monumental or museum purpose that we can't foresee.

What to do with the space around the Washington Monument? Now that's a monumental question.

by Fischy (Ed F.) on May 8, 2012 4:48 pm • link • report

On the restaurant -- I applaud the idea of trying to create a space that might be used nightly. On the other hand, I think it's a bad idea. It might be an attraction for tourists. Might even work for pre-theater dining. That doesn't mean it belongs.

by Fischy (Ed F.) on May 8, 2012 4:52 pm • link • report

Even though there are a lot of factors that drive locals away from using the Mall as a spot to relax, have a picnic, read a book and so on -- for instance, the Mall is cut off from most residential neighborhoods by federal buildings, is overrun with tourists, and must compete with a lot more desirable smaller parks -- these plans are definitely on the right track to take care of the things that are within NPS' control.

Namely, these plans serve to break up an enormous space into smaller, more functional zones. One reason that the Mall fails is because it lacks a human scale like (in my opinion) the most closely comparable public space in the world, Tuileries Garden in Paris. Planting more trees and creating spaces where people can congregate and relax and stroll is crucial to the success of this area. These designs are on the right path to fulfilling this vision and drawing more locals and creating a more well-rounded space than a meeting place for recreational athletics or tourism. I hope that future NPS designs will be able to tackle the various highway-like roads that traverse the Mall in favor of something a bit more pedestrian-friendly.

The one plan I do not like is the design for the glass restaurant. I'm not sure about the claims that such a structure will endanger wildlife, but at the very least, I doubt people will find it very desirable to stare all day at a grandiose, ostentatious glass edifice floating in the middle of an enormous concrete platform. But then again, people seem to have gotten used to the Louvre Pyramid, haven't they?

by Scoot on May 8, 2012 5:08 pm • link • report

The idea that the Mall should be more integrated with the city misses the point of the place as does the littering with ugly new monuments. It should be a place for contemplation and awe. It shouldn't be like Central Park or Grant Park or Lincoln Park. It should have formality. Water fountains perhaps, but not restaurants. It is a place for everyone, not a place for Washingtonians. DC has numerous very functional neighborhood parks and it has Rock Creek.

by Rich on May 8, 2012 8:42 pm • link • report

A few things: GGN/DBB do actually propose a building on the north side of the reflecting pool. It's called the "Center for Emerging Voices" and it seems to have something to do with representing the people to the government. I think it's a great idea, at least better than another hot dog stand.

The Washington Monument grounds is pretty great, but it does seem to have a pedestrian bridge.

The architecture is all pretty conservative formally, even trying to hide most of these buildings, but I like all of the ideas.

So, to all of the people Why does the National Mall have to be an isolated theme park? Why can't you have dignity along the axis, and prosaic activities crossing it, coming to intersections where locals don't feel excluded and tourists can still read the grand and dignified architecture? this is, after all, what L'Enfant was trying to do by superimposing the avenues on the grid.

by Neil Flanagan on May 8, 2012 9:39 pm • link • report

Actually, the Washington Monument Grounds project does read both ways. It's pretty clever.

by Neil Flanagan on May 8, 2012 9:44 pm • link • report

What is with the lack of straight paths, curved and circular paths tend to make people walk on the grass as its the shortest distance

by kk on May 8, 2012 11:20 pm • link • report

So, to all of the people Why does the National Mall have to be an isolated theme park?

Because it is considered an abomination for people to live or do anything as vulgar as purchase or eat in or near the mall. This is not a place for "people" to "live." It is intended as a clean and sterile monument unsullied by the disgusting activities of humanity. DC residents throw apoplectic fits in the event that a restaurant or store opens in their neighborhoods. Inviting any sort of unapproved activity on the national mall is an invitation the sickening and unacceptable acts of "business", "commerce", or "socializing." This is a place where you're supposed to go to your government job and leave at 5pm. If you are a tourist, you are supposed to stand in awe of the monuments and get the hell out before they break their state of awed ecstasy to engage in possibly inappropriate activity like buying a sandwich.

I am upset enough just thinking about the fact that we have allowed people to actually live within the sacred borders of our national capital. To invite those people, and others, to extend that "living"-like behavior on our most sacred of sacred ground is an idea too sickening to entertain.

The glass-enclosed, illuminated restaurant? Another nostalgia effort? Fans of the deceased Tavern on the Green in Central Park will look forward to that. Anyone with taste or class? Not so much.

Who has taste and class around here? We're talking about a place where going out to an evening meal in Georgetown is considered the pinnacle of sophisticated dining.

by Tyro on May 8, 2012 11:40 pm • link • report

Yes, yes, these are nice and all but why is there no mention for improvements for us softball players around the Washington Mounment? As much as I enjoy tracking balls in the outfield while simultaneously worrying about whether I'm going to step in a hole, could we get some new grass? Benches? Permanent coolers for beer?

Maybe NPS could line some fields too.

:p

by Fitz on May 9, 2012 9:12 am • link • report

None of the improvements to the east end of the Mall will matter in the summer if the NPS continues to park trailers, construction equipment, and fences all over that section of the mall for the 2 MONTHS leading up to the 2 week long folklife festival, and then take a month to break it down. It's a great festival, but during peak use season, it makes a mess of the Mall. There MUST be a better way (though probably more expensive) way to stage it!

by Michael on May 9, 2012 10:24 am • link • report

NPS actually doesn't run the Folklife Festival; the Smithsonian does. NPS has restricted the Smithsonian somewhat in recent years, like forbidding them from having part of the festival under the trees.

I wouldn't be surprised if they don't like the trailers either; there's some amount of negotiation that goes on between NPS, which would rather preserve the turf even if it means not having much ever happen on the Mall, and groups like the Smithsonian, which wants to have a lively event but is less concerned about the impact.

by David Alpert on May 9, 2012 11:11 am • link • report

What David said, although that I should note it's not just turf preservation, but one of the last stands of American Elms left. They're particularly sensitive in the hot months to root compaction, and, sadly, it makes a lot of sense to move the Folklife Festival out from the trees that time of year.

by Tim Krepp on May 9, 2012 11:29 am • link • report

Agree with Dan and others that the changes to PA and MD aves are best part of Union Square plan. I'd also point out, this plan gets rid of the two traffic circles around the sculptures on either side of the grant sculpture, and the PA ave side seems to use the same pavers as what they've done in front of the White House. The plan doesn't acknowledge in its renderings that this is now a main bike corridor, but hopefully that is just an oversight, and some thought will go into bicycle ingress and egress, including a better approach to permeating the perimeter bollards of the US Capitol. The current way to do it is to get familiar with which bollards you can cut between where the surface of the bollard line is flush with the street. This might work out for the regular commuters, but for tourists, or parents with kids, it's no good.

by Will on May 9, 2012 12:21 pm • link • report

The idea that the Mall should be more integrated with the city misses the point of the place as does the littering with ugly new monuments. It should be a place for contemplation and awe.

If so, I don't think NPS got the memo. Between the cars speeding through on their daily commute, the constant presence of scaffolding and construction equipment and structures erected for special events, the worn out turf, broken water fountains, and lack of decent places to sit and "contemplate", I can't imagine that the Mall fulfills any particular vision to the extent that it could. These designs definitely help the Mall reach its potential, but they are only small steps.

If the Mall is intended to be a symbol of American democracy, then it ought to be space for many public uses rather than a stodgy, frozen place of 'contemplation and awe', which might be a thing more suitable for a totalitarian capital....

by Scoot on May 9, 2012 1:04 pm • link • report

"They also propose to narrow Pennsylvania and Maryland Avenues..."

-----

Absolute madness.

If they had any sense, they would build an underground tour bus staging area to get idling parked buses off the streets as well as underground parking garages for visitors.

But, noooo. In DC we must close streets and pretend everyone who visits will walk or ride a bike or train.

by ceefer66 on May 10, 2012 6:16 pm • link • report

But, noooo. In DC we must close streets and pretend everyone who visits will walk or ride a bike or train.

Instead we pretend that every human being on the planet can drive their personal vehicle into the city, one to a car, on the same day. And that DC residents must shoulder any burden to make that possible.

Seems like a reasonable, clear-headed perspective.

by oboe on May 11, 2012 9:15 am • link • report

This is a good piece and good that GGW is treating the Mall as an important part of our City. As Executive Director of the National Ideas Competition for the Washington Monument Grounds, (recently concluded and the people’s choice winners will be announced May 17, 2012), I want to highlight that the Trust’s efforts, though commendable, address only a portion of the Washington Monument grounds. Our Competition, an independent organization organized in spring 2010 led by a Steering Committee of university professors, architects and designers, and civic leaders in partnership with The George Washington University, took a more comprehensive look at many exciting possibilities for the entire grounds today, and in the context of the Mall’s history, going back to George Washington and the establishment and vision for the young Nation’s capital. Because of this rich and detailed history, we believe it is shortsighted and premature to select a project solution without fully addressing the cultural landscape and the environmental impact on the grounds. (For more information, please go to: www.wamo.org )

by Ellen Goldstein on May 11, 2012 9:54 am • link • report