From the National Capital Planning Commission:
“NCPC approved preliminary site and building plans for a New Monumental Arch located in Memorial Circle at the west terminus of Arlington Memorial Bridge, with comments to be addressed prior to final review. Commissioners noted that any structure at this location must balance urban design, visitors’ experience, historic preservation, transportation, and other considerations. Commissioners also requested information regarding impacts to the vehicular transportation network, lighting required by the Federal Aviation Administration, and the final granite cladding selection. NCPC is assessing the Height of Buildings Act and its potential impact on the project, and Commissioners requested that the applicant provide a justification for the project’s height when it returns to NCPC for final review.
Full release:
“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.”