Washington Monument National Mall
& Memorial Park Visitor Screening Facility: Washington, DC
The National Park Service (NPS) planned and executed a major renovation to this iconic monument which sits at the heart of Washington, DC’s National Mall. This modern visitor facility enhances the visitor experience and incorporates modern security and contemporary building systems, while maintaining this landmark’s historic integrity. The team conducted in-depth collaboration with NPS, stakeholders, 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 NPS sustainability guidelines, this LEED Certified Silver renovation included demolition of the existing monument entry and construction of a new visitor’s center connected at the monument’s base. Program spaces incorporated a queuing and screening area, security office, restroom, exit hallway, and an M/E basement. MEP building systems included a geothermal heating and cooling system allowing ground source heat pump system with geothermal wells allowing the glass roof to remain clear and provide visitors a full height view of the monument.
Architect: Beyer Blinder Belle
Photography: Alain Jaramillo Photography