potomac hill · draft environmental impact statement (eis) spring 2016. draft programmatic...

Potomac Hill Campus Master PlanNCPC Informational Briefing11-5-15 1

NCPC Informational Briefing

“Observing the Past, Planning the Future”

11.5.2015

C a m p u s M a s t e r P l a nPotomac Hill


Welcome

Stephanie LeedomProject Manager

Nancy WitherellRegional Historic Preservation Officer

Mina Wright Director, Planning & Design

Dawud Abdur-Rahman Director of Planning

Kristi Tunstall WilliamsDirector, Historic Preservation and the Arts

David GrossweilerProject Manager

Bob Sanders Federal Preservation Officer, Special Projects

Adam Bodner Director, Real Property Management

Tim Canan Project Manager

Steve Bedford Section 106 Lead

Jean CarroonLead Preservation Planner

Nicolaas Veraart Lead Environmental Planner


The Potomac Hill Campus Master Plan

• The master plan will provide GSA and DOS with a structured framework for the future use of Potomac Hill that, if implemented, will transform the site into a unified, state-of-the-art federal campus to serve the long-term needs of DOS. The master plan will lay the foundation for the development of the campus with the goal of preserving the cultural legacy of the site while also responding to the development needs of DOS.

Project Background

Aerial View of Potomac Hill todayView of the Naval Observatory (Building 2) from the Washington Monument, 1885. (Credit: Naval Medical Department)


Project Background• The Potomac Hill site became available immediately adjacent to the

existing Department of State Headquarters on 23rd Street.

• GSA acquired the site on behalf of DOS in order to relocate dispersed operations to Potomac Hill, reduce costs, improve operational efficiencies and improve security for staff and functions.

• In addition to its Headquarters, DOS maintains space in numerous leased facilities throughout Foggy Bottom and Northern Virginia, creating inefficiencies in operation and security management, as well as costly lease and relocation situations.

• Federally-owned facilities provide long-term cost savings for US taxpayers.

• A master plan, EIS, Section 106 consultation, and TMP are currently underway to guide the redevelopment of the site.


Potomac Hill Site

Parcels remaining in Navy control

Potomac Annex

Navy Hill

Building 6 & 7

USIPAPHA


• Set on a high promontory, rising from the south and west

• Distinct topographical character bisects East/West portions of the site

• Northwest corner was altered by E-St expy.; urban context to the North; Southeast corner – connection to HST; retaining wall along 23rd

• Uniform scale and character exists around Old Naval Observatory (NHL) while Architectural character varies at Navy Hill

• Three Flag Officer residences are maintained by Navy

• Trees, landscape features, Prime Meridian axis

• Views to and from the site

Site Characteristics and Context



East Building Central BuildingSouth Building

Building 2 (Nat. Historic Landmark) Building 3Navy Quarters AA



View from Site to Arlington National Cemetery View to Site from Arlington Memorial Bridge

View from Site to Lincoln Memorial Maury Circle Navy Hill Courtyard


Early Site History• The highest point in

the L’Enfant plan• Proposed as a

fortification on 1792 Ellicott Plan of Washington.

• Suggested by Thomas Jefferson as the location of the President’s house.

• Marine encampment predating the 8th and I Street, SE barracks.

• Topography was critical in the site’s selection as the U.S. Naval Observatory in 1842.

L’Enfant Plan of Washington, 1792


Site Chronology and Period of Significance


The Potomac Hill Master Plan

We Are Here


Master Planning Considerations

• Sense of Place• Site Topography and Visibility• Views To and From the Site• Campus Edges• Connections• Planning Relationships and

Operational Efficiency• Preservation and Adaptive

Reuse of Historic Resources

• Campus Landscapes• Campus Identity, Structure

and Cohesiveness• Site Environment/

Sustainability• Access and Circulation• Parking• Security• Prior Agreements


No-Action Alternative


Development Alternative A


Development Alternative B


Development Alternative C


Alternatives Comparison

No Action

Construction Type AreaGSF USF

Existing 277,925 161,353New 0 0

Total 277,925 161,353

Alternative A

Construction TypeArea

GSF USF Existing 212,208 121,647New 391,100 254,215

Total 603,308 375,862

Alternative B



Total 601,808 373,795

Alternative C



Total 587,008 371,343


Development Alternatives Commonalities

• Adaptive reuse of as many buildings and site features as possible while meeting the DOS Purpose and Need

• Preservation of the NHL Building 2 (Old Naval Observatory)• Create a unified campus• Maximize office use, minimize dining facilities and other amenities• Protection of landscape features and trees• ISC Level 4• Parking accommodated in a below-grade parking garage• Increased public access


Projected MilestonesMilestone Projected DateConsulting Parties Meeting: Effects and Mitigation Early 2016

Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Spring 2016

Draft Programmatic Agreement Spring 2016

CFA Meeting on Preliminary Master Plan Spring 2016

NCPC Meeting on Preliminary Master Plan Summer 2016

Executed Programmatic Agreement Summer 2016

Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Fall 2016

CFA Meeting on Final Master Plan Fall 2016

Signed Record of Decision Winter 2016/2017

NCPC Meeting on Final Master Plan Early 2017


Questions & Comments• Contact:

Stephanie LeedomProject Manager, GSA [email protected]

Nancy WitherellRegional Historic Preservation Officer, [email protected]

• Project Website: www.gsa.gov/potomachill

potomac hill · draft environmental impact statement (eis) spring 2016. draft programmatic...

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