National Park Service Report, May 1996, Part 3

PENNSYLVANlA AVENUE
at the WHITE HOUSE

The Preferred Alternative:
Why Is It Preferred?

The preferred alternative was chosen for the following reasons:

* The design incorporates the qualities preferred by the public in the October 1995 survey.

* The design has grown out of a public involvement process, and it includes ideas from various sources.

* The design respects the historic and symbolic nature of the area and looks as if it could always have been there.

* The design completely supports the guiding principles for Pennsylvania Avenue at the White House developed by the design workshop in December 1995:

* Promote the founders' vision of the connection between citizens and the presidency by cultivating Pennsylvania Avenue's rich possibilities to serve as part of America's town square at the White House.

* Enhance the connection between President's Park and the broader city.

* Improve the physical, visual, and civic access - this place belongs to all citizens.

* Retain Pennsylvania Avenue as a ceremonial public way.

* Celebrate historical continuity; provide opportunities to reflect on the history of the country and the meaning of this urban landscape.

* Extend the design precinct of President's Park to include the area bounded by H Street, Constitution Avenue, 15th Street, and 17th Street.

* Provide a safe environment in an unobtrusive way.

* Recognize the difference between the scale of the north and the south sides of the White House.

* Provide for the ongoing stewardship of President's Park, based on a comprehensive plan and sustainable design principles.

* The design sustains the National Park Service design guidelines for President's Park as they relate to Pennsylvania Avenue at the White House:

* The design should be unobtrusive.

* Past building traditions and practices should be respected.

* The design should be timeless.

* The quality of the pedestrian experience should remain a high priority in all designs.

* The design should accommodate service, security, and ceremonial functions in a manner that is consistent with the dignity and importance of the site.

Specific Recommendations

Pennsylvania Avenue should be returned to a narrower width that is more compatible with the scale of the area. The avenue should also incorporate the "grand avenue" character and components envisioned in L'Enfant's original plan for Washington -- wide footpaths, boulevard tree plantings, and a central "carriageway." The avenue should not separate people from the People's House.

It should be recognized that any design for rhis site cannot be frozen at any one time. This is a dynamic site, and it will continue to change in the future. The design that is ultimately selected needs to reflect historic designs, echoing ideas from Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Latrobe, as well as Andrew Jackson Downing. However, it should also allow for revisions to the shape and details of walls, fences, road width, and materials.

Bollards would be more welcoming than fencing because they do not block pedestrian entries.

Double gatehouses, placed on both sides of vehicle entrances, would provide a more formal appearance and follow the historical precedents for the site. They would also provide a location to orient visitors, answer questions, and accommodate needed storage space.

Public Use: Site design elements would signify the importance of this area. Additional directional information orientation / educational information and activities would encourage public use. Historically and inspirational inscriptions in paving would be incorporated in the design. First Amendment activities would continue at existing levels, but infrastructure would be provided to reduce damage to the site. New, larger restrooms would be provided.

Relationship to the City: A President's Park neighborhood identiy would be emphasized by carrying site design elements into the surrounding area. Additional information and directions for Metro riders would be provided.

Historic Preservation: Statues and walk configurations in Lafayette Square National Historic Landmark District, would be retained. The bronze urns near Pennsylvania Avenue would be moved to the north side of the park. The ca. 1913 lodge with restrooms and the ca. 1969 fountains would be removed. The Thomas Jefferson's idea for a public common - a space for citizens - would be established.

Safety: Paving would be replaced, providing a solid, even surface for pedestrians. Permanent bollards, combined with gatehouses and vehicle entrances, would surround the area.

Overall Design: Paving materials, directional and informational sihns, lighting, and site furnishings (fencing, bollards,drinking fountains, seating, chess tables, trash receptacles, information areas, etc.) would be consistent and complementary. New bollards would replace the concrete barriers.

Pennsylvania Avenue and the White House would be realigned to better connect Lafayette Park. This alternative respects the principles of Pierre L'Enfants plan, and the curved wall line in front of the White House would echo the appearance during Thomas Jefferson's era. Pennsylvania Avenue would present the ceremonial "grand avenue" character envisioned by L'Enfant, with boulevard trees amd brpad pedestrian walks on each side of a central avenue. Timesless, durable, and high-quality materials would be used in simple, stately, and traditional ways.

Pennsylvania Avenue Continued.

Pennsylvania Ave. Closure || Peace Park