Credit: Alan Karchmer/OTTO

Washington Monument New Visitor Facility

A modern visitor facility at the Washington Monument enhances the visitor experience and security while maintaining the historic integrity of this iconic landmark at the center of the National Mall.

BBB designed a refined contemporary visitor facility that meets long-term security, preservation, and operational requirements at the Washington Monument, a 555-foot tall marble obelisk standing as memorial to the nation's first president on the National Mall. In collaboration with the National Park Service, BBB explored a broad range of options and conducted extensive consultation and engagement with preservation stakeholders, members of the public, and federal and state agencies, including reviews by the National Capitol Planning Commission, the US Commission of Fine Arts, the DC Historic Preservation Officer (State Historic Preservation Office), and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. Following approvals, BBB advanced the design of this graceful and functional addition including the integration of a geothermal heating and cooling system that allows the glass roof to remain clear and provide visitors a full height view of the monument.

 

Client

National Park Service - National Capital Region 1

Location

Washington, DC

Size

1,000 SF

Completed

2019

People

FAIA
Partner Emeritus
Partner-in-Charge
AIA, AICP
Partner