Relationship of this Document to Other Plans and Efforts

In October 1995 the National Park Service started gathering ideas for a redesign and working with the public, design professionals, and other agencies and interests to develop a range of design alternatives. An Environmental Assessment for the Long-term Design, which presented five alternatives, including a preferred alternative, was released for public comment in May 1996, and public meetings were held in Washington, D.C. Further work on a long-term design has been delayed until all required approvals can be obtained and funding has been authorized.

The Pennsylvania Avenue design project, when completed, will address the surface area of Pennsylvania Avenue and immediately adjacent areas. The comprehensive design plan for the White House and President's Park will address logistical and support services, including some underground facilities for Pennsylvania Avenue.

The Greening of the White House

A specific conservation program, known as "The Greening of the White House," was initiated in 1993. This is a comprehensive, multiyear project designed to promote energy efficiency and to serve as a nationwide example of environmental responsibility. The project highlights what measures homeowners and businesses can take to benefit the environment, save money, and improve the comfort of their environments by setting an example for using such measures at the White House.

Following energy and environmental audits by an interagency team, a multidisciplinary volunteer team of the nation's leading experts in architecture, engineering, building operations, and environmental concerns formulated proposals for the White House complex. Programs that have been affected by this initiative include the replacement of the White House heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system with a state-of-the-art, high-efficiency, non-CFC based system; the replacement of interior and exterior lights with high efficiency lighting; the installation of double glazing on windows where possible; the recycling of solid wastes; the installation of water-conserving fixtures; landscape irrigation in early morning hours to reduce transpiration loss; and the composting of green landscape wastes.

Southside Barrier Replacement, Sherman Park / First Division Monument

An August 1997 Environmental Assessment analyzed designs for replacing the concrete barriers along the 15th and E Street sides of Sherman Park and along the 17th and E Street sides of the First Division Monument. The purpose of the action is to provide security for the White House, Old Executive Office Building, and the main Treasury Building; to improve the appearance of the areas closed to public vehicular traffic; and to maintain vehicular access for official government uses, such as motorcades and diplomatic arrivals.

The proposed action would integrate newly designed granite walls and steel bollards into the existing landscape and give both Sherman Park and First Division a more finished appearance. An amendment to the Environmental Assessment (NPS l998b) considers the addition of gatehouses on Hamilton and State Places and on the eastern and western portions of South Executive Avenue, and the realignment of a short access road from E Street to South Executive Avenue along the eastern edge of First Division Monument. These actions are based on the Design Guidelines for President's Park, and they are compatible with new facilities and elements proposed in the alternatives considered in this plan.

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PURPOSE OF AND NEED FOR THE PLAN

Northside Barrier Replacement, Lafayette Park

A February 1998 Environmental Assessment was prepared to analyze designs for permanent bollards to replace the temporary concrete barriers that were put along the north side of Lafayette Park in May 1995. This action is expected to enhance pedestrian accessibility to Lafayette Park and to improve the appearance of the park and its immediate surroundings. The proposed action is compatible with new facilities and elements proposed in this document and the Design Guidelines.

Other Federal Plans

Streetscape Manual

The 1993 Streetscape Manual was an interagency initiative to provide guidelines for the coordinated and consistent streetscape treatment of roadways in the vicinity of the National Mall (District of Columbia et al. 1993).

Vehicular Traffic Restrictions on Pennsylvania Avenue

After the restriction of public vehicular traffic on Pennsylvania Avenue on May 20, 1995, by the U.S. Treasury Department, the Federal Highway Administration worked with local officials to review the economic, traffic, and other impacts. The U.S. l Treasury Department and the Federal Highway Administration coordinated environmental compliance for that action. The completed traffic analysis is summarized in a report released in May 1997 (FHWA 1997). Much of the traffic data collected for and presented in that report has been used in this Comprehensive Design Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement. The impacts of the restrictions are presented in an Environmental Assessment. Implementation of the White House Security Review- Vehicular Traffic Restriction Recommendations (U.S. Department of the Treasury 1997).

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ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PROPOSED PLAN


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ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PROPOSED PLAN

OVERVIEW OF ALTERNATIVES-45

PLANNING ASSUMPTIONS-46
Comprehensive Design-46
Resource Conservation and
Management-46
Home and Office of the President-47
Visitor Use and Services-47
Special Events-48
Transportation-48
Site Management and Operations-48

Proposed Plan-49
Comprehensive Design-49
Resource Conservation and
Management-52
Home and Office of the President-54
Visitor Use and Services-57
Special Events-61
Transportation-63
Site Management and Operations-65

NO-ACTION ALTERNATIVE-67
Resource Conservation and
Management-67
Home and Office of the President -
Visitor Use and Services-69
Special Events-70
Transportation-70
Site Management and Operations-71

ALTERNATIVE 1-72
Comprehensive Design-72
Resource Conservation and
Management-72
Home and Office of the President-75

Visitor Use and Services-77
Special Events 78
Transportation-78
Site Management and Operations-79

ALTERNATIVE 2-80
Comprehensive Design-80
Resource Conservation and
Management-83
Home and Office of the President-83
Visitor Use and Services-85
Special Events-86
Transportation-86
Site Management and Operations-87

ALTERNATIVE 3-88
Comprehensive Design-88
Resource Conservation and
Management-91
Home and Office of the President-91
Visitor Use and Services-93
Special Events-94
Transportation-94
Site Management and Operations-94

MITIGATING MEASURES INCLUDED TN
THE ALTERNATIVES - 95
Cultural Resources-95
Natural Resources-96

OPTIONS CONSIDERED BUT
REJECTED-97
Home and Office of the President-97
Visitor Use and Services-97
Transportation-99
Site Management and Operations-101

A COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVES
AND IMPACTS-102

 

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OVERVIEW OF ALTERNATIVES

The proposed plan, a no-action alternative, and three additional alternatives are considered in this Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Each alternative looks at different ways to balance the demands of today's presidency, the right of public access to the White House, and the need to preserve this historic structure and its surrounding landscape. Many of the proposed options achieve the vision for President's Park; however, other options represent compromises that best meet multiple agency and public needs.

The general direction, context, and types of actions considered in the alternatives are based on the statements of purpose and significance, desired futures, and the planning issues and concerns that were described beginning on page 12. In addition, planning assumptions and program requirements identified specific objectives that must be accomplished to support the many functions within President's Park and the White House. In some cases, these assumptions and requirements limited the range of viable options.

On May 20, 1995, the U.S. Department of the Treasury restricted public vehicular traffic on Pennsylvania Avenue and several other city streets and park roads. These changes have been incorporated as part of the existing conditions for the purposes of this document.

Alternatives 1 through 3 were shared with the public at forums at the White House visitor center during the spring of 1995. Following the public review, additional information was collected to determine the feasibility or suitability of some options proposed within these alternatives. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, the proposed plan is the proposed action, and a no-action alternative is presented as a baseline for analyzing the environmental consequences associated with implementing each alternative.

Mitigating measures that would be incorporated into each alternative are discussed beginning on page 95. Options that were eliminated from further consideration are discussed beginning on page 97. A comparison of the main elements of each alternative is shown in table 1 at the end of this part (page 102); a comparison of impacts is presented in table 2 (page 1 12).

Cost estimates for each alternative (other than no action) are included in appendix E. Not all costs would be borne by the federal government, and funds to implement certain proposals, such as the news media facility, the visitor center, and pedestrian corridors, could be contributed from nonfederal sources.

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PLANNING ASSUMPTIONS

The following planning assumptions form the framework for all future actions at the White House and President's Park. These assumptions are based on guidance by the Executive Committee, and they establish the parameters for what the alternatives consider. Design criteria under each alternative (for example, the number of staff parking spaces, storage requirements, and space requirements for the visitor center) are listed in appendix E.

Comprehensive Design

Future designs and actions on the White House grounds and within President's Park will respect the significant elements of past landscape designs, including the L'Enfant, Downing, McMillan, and Olmsted plans. Elements may be carefully redesigned to serve modern functions, but their original context will be preserved. The vistas, viewsheds, buildings, roadway and walkway systems, fencelines, plantings, and all other elements that combine to create a ceremonial landscape for state functions will be respected in the design and construction of new facilities. President's Park will continue to be an open area that is visually linked to the National Mall; the traditional vistas to and from the north and south will be maintained. No new surface facilities will be constructed within primary and secondary views within President's Park.*

Facilities and maintenance operations will reflect the dignity, significance, and history of the site and the presidency.

Design guidelines for architecture, landscape architecture, design elements, signs, and temporary facilities will be followed. Quality materials will be used to reflect the importance and dignity of the White House.

Any proposals for Lafayette Park will be considered as part of a long-term design for Pennsylvania Avenue (see page 48).

Resource Conservation and Management

The cultural and natural resources of the White House and President's Park will continue to receive high quality care and protection. Present uses of the White House collection will continue within the Executive Residence.

All cultural resource programs currently managed by various federal agencies having jurisdiction at the White House and President's Park will continue to be administered by the respective agencies. The National Park Service will cooperate with these various agencies to foster the exchange of information and the development of cooperative approaches and programs for resource protection.

All memorials established by legislation will be retained. No new memorials will be encouraged.

All programs and facilities will be designed and managed in an environmentally sound manner.
_________________________

* Primary views are those seen from principal paths streets, and observation points located along the main axes of the park landscape. These views may be terminated within the park by architectural monuments and elevations or by historic park topography and vegetation; outside the park they may be terminated by distant views of architectural landmarks or by topography and vegetation.
Secondary views are those seen from paths streets, and observation points not on the main park landscape axes. These views also may be terminated inside or outside the park by historic architecture or vegetation.

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Home and Office of the President

Executive Residence

The White House will continue to serve as the executive residence of the president of the United States. The plan will not address the residential areas on the second and third floors of the White House.

Official functions will continue to be held at the White House and on its grounds.

Vehicular arrivals and departures by the president and official visitors will continue at multiple entry and exit points. The south lawn of the White House and on occasion the Ellipse will be used for air transport.

Safety and security for the president and the first family will be maintained and not compromised Business visitors, guests for official functions, and staff will be cleared at entrances that are convenient to their meetings or events, or their workplaces.

West Executive Avenue will continue to be within the secured portion of the White House complex and closed to public pedestrian traffic.

New utility systems will be energy efficient, environmentally sensitive, and easy to maintain and upgrade.

Executive Office Support Services

The White House will continue to serve as the president's official office.

Multiple points of access into the White House complex will continue to be available for all presidential guests and visitors.

Space for essential White House administrative and operational functions will be provided within or adjacent to the White House; existing spaces within President's Park may be used.

Staff parking on the Ellipse and adjacent roadways, East Executive Park, West Executive Avenue, and Hamilton, State, Jackson, and Madison Places will be provided elsewhere in order to improve aesthetics and to reestablish the dignity and character of the site. Replacement parking within easy access of the White House will be provided.

News Media Facilities

Facilities will be provided for the news media to maintain direct access to the press secretary and the press staff. Such facilities are in the long tradition of chief executives providing space for the news media so they can provide coverage of, and maintain proximity to, the operations of the Office of the President.

Visitor Use and Services

The White House and President's Park are integral to the total visitor experience of Washington, D.C.

The White House will continue to be open to the general public on a regular basis free of charge. The present White House tour will not change dramatically and will continue to feature rooms on the ground and state floors. Because access to the White House is the most important objective of most visitors to President's Park, this experience will be made as pleasant and convenient as possible.

To ensure adequate visitor orientation to the White House and President's Park and to provide ticketing and staging for White House tours, a White House visitor center and museum will be provided within easy access of the White House.

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Special Events

Special events of varying size, intensity, and significance will continue in President's Park, as well as on the White House grounds.

All First Amendment activities will be accommodated in compliance with current law.

Transportation

Access, Circulation, and Parking

The National Park Service will enter into discussions with local and regional planning agencies to address traffic concerns in the Washington, D.C., downtown area in a comprehensive fashion while ensuring the protection and preservation of national resources as represented by the White House and President's Park.

Access to the White House and President's Park will be maintained for operational support and emergency vehicles.

Madison, Jackson, State, and Hamilton Places will remain restricted to public vehicular traffic and will become pedestrian-oriented streets.

No vehicle parking will be provided on Jackson, Madison, State, or Hamilton Place; on the

Ellipse roadways; or along the curb lanes surrounding President's Park (15th Street, 17th Street, Constitution Avenue, and H Street).

A future long-term design for Pennsylvania Avenue, as well as Lafayette Park, will be considered in a separate planning document.

Mass Transit

The use of mass transit by visitors and staff will be actively encouraged through policy and design. Agencies will work with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority to promote staff and visitor use of mass transit.

Site Management and Operations

The White House and President's Park will continue to be managed through interagency cooperation. All buildings and grounds within the White House complex will be managed by the responsible agency or through interagency agreements.

Sites or structures outside the boundaries of President's Park may have to be used in order to meet needs identified in the plan.

HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS

The presence of homeless individuals in public parks is an urban problem. Some aare there as a result of circumstances beyond their control, some are there by choice, and sitll others are there because of physical or mental disabilities. the presence of homeless people is perceived as incongruous with the expected dignity of the site, and local workers and visitors sometimes see tthese individuals as threatening or disturbing. The safety of homeless individuals themselves is often at risk during poor weather and at night when they are subject to vicitimization by unscrupulous persons.
To help address the plight of homeless citizens within President's Park, the National Park Service, as one of the federal administrators and stewards of the site, will initiate discussions with the Diustrict of Columbia, religious and charitable groups, and the homeless people who inhabit the site to find ways to ensure the safety of all citizens and also to help protect and conserve park resources for the benefit of all the nation's citizens.

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PROPOSED PLAN

The proposed plan for the White House and President's Park includes those actions that would best meet the needs of the Executive Residence, the Office of the President, the multiple agencies involved in stewardship or management roles within the study area, and visitors. It would also provide for the protection of important cultural and natural resources. The plan includes elements from all the other alternatives, which were initially presented to the public in a newsletter during the spring of 1995.

Comprehensive Design

The historic elements and character of President's Park and the White House, including roadways, boulevards, and walkways, would continue to be respected. This area would still serve as a ceremonial landscape for state events.

President's Park would become a pedestrian oriented space. While pedestrians could enter from any point around the site, entryways would be created at intersections with the highest pedestrian volumes. These entryways would signify to visitors that they are coming into a special place. Eight entryways would be provided-along H Street at Jackson and Madison Places, and at 1 5th and 1 7th Streets at Pennsylvania Avenue, E Street, and Constitution Avenue. (Entryways on H Street and Pennsylvania Avenue would be considered as

-49-

-50-

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ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PROPOSED PLAN

part of the long-term design plan for the avenue.) The entryways along E Street would be designed to harmonize with the surrounding architectural and site vocabulary, with particular attention to scale and materials. The entryways along Constitution Avenue would incorporate the Bulfinch gatehouses. All entryways would be designed in accordance with the Design Guidelines.

Two objectives were considered in locating all proposed facilities:

(1) Where possible, use existing buildings (if they meet desired future conditions and program requirements) in order to protect resources, enhance the site character, and minimize new development.

(2) Where new facilities are needed, relocate as many functions as possible to new underground structures to minimize any new intrusions on the surface; optimize the use of new facilities in order to avoid the creation of numerous small facilities and increased costs.

To meet the requirements of the Executive Office of the President, underground facilities for meeting and conference space, media facilities, parking and storage would be provided in and near the White House complex.

The White House visitor center would be expanded beneath Baldrige Hall in the Commerce Building. New theaters, a museum, and exhibit and educational program areas would be provided. Visitors would use a naturally lighted, belowground corridor from the visitor center to the sidewalk along the east side of the White House grounds.

The roadways on the Ellipse would be closed to vehicular traffic except for access by emergency and authorized traffic. While the historic configuration and character of the roadways would be retained, they would be used as wide pedestrian paths to provide access to adjacent gardens and meandering paths. In accordance with the Design Guidelines, a combination of aesthetically pleasing materials would be used to replace the asphalt in the Ellipse roadways. The chosen materials would be consistent with other design elements throughout President's Park.

E Street would be retained as a two-lane, eastbound street. The median between the restricted access and public use lanes would be landscaped to create a more parklike setting.

Resource Conservation and Management

A cooperative program to encourage the stewardship and management of all cultural and natural resources within President's Park would be implemented among agencies with responsibilities on the site. Elements of this program would include the following:

All cultural resource documentation, such as inventories, historic structure reports, and nominations for the National Register of Historic Places, would be kept current.

Cyclical maintenance programs, including regular condition assessments and programs for conservation and preservation, would be developed.

All historically significant trees and specimen plants would be identified, physically assessed, inventoried, maintained, and replaced with similar plant materials, as needed.

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ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDED THE PROPOSED PLAN

Cultural Resources

Collection Management

Approximately 2,000 square feet of storage space for fine and decorative arts would be located within or immediately adjacent to the White House. This storage would be separate from general storage (see page 54) and would serve as a holding area for items in transit between the White House and the offsite storage areas, as a temporary storage space for artifacts during events, and as a workspace to evaluate how damaged items should be conserved.

Limited public access to the White House collection, with the approval of the White House curator, would be provided. Other agencies within the White House complex would manage their respective collections.

Memorials

All monuments and memorials within President's Park would receive conservation/preservation treatment on a regular schedule and be kept in the best possible condition.

Archeological Resources

Based on an initial archeological survey that has already been accomplished, a comprehensive archeological program would be developed to help ensure the conservation, protection, and proper administration of archeological resources. Archeological recording and monitoring of any ground disturbances, such as construction, would also be conducted within the study area on a project-by-project basis. Recovered archeological resources

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ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PROPOSED PLAN

would be kept as a collection and be available for research and interpretation.

Plant Materials

An ongoing monitoring program to assess and control damage to plant materials would be implemented. Resources such as turf, plants, and commemorative plantings would be carefully managed and maintained. Culturally or genetically significant plant materials (such as the American elms) would be propagated in an NPS nursery or in cooperation with horticultural institutions. All significant plant materials damaged or lost through natural causes or development actions within President's Park would be replaced with these specially propagated plants.

A comprehensive landscape plan would be developed for the White House and President's Park, including guidelines for maintenance practices. The landscape plan would update the existing Olmsted plan (1935) for the White House grounds. As stated in the Design Guidelines, plant materials will continue to reflect traditional landscape design in mass and alignment. The choice of specific plant materials will remain flexible but will be guided by earlier significant planning efforts, including the plans of A. J. Downing in the 1850s and the Olmsted brothers in the 1930s. The landscape form will continue to use vegetation to define and refine spatial relationships. Plantings and planting designs outside the White House fence will complement those inside the fence in quality, scale, and selection.

Home and Office of the President

Executive Residence

First Family Recreation

Future first families would have multipurpose, informal recreation space in a secure indoor environment either in existing space or belowgrade adjacent to the Executive Residence on the north. This space would be adaptable to the changing needs of future occupants. Access would be from within the Executive Residence. Outdoor recreational opportunities would remain available on the grounds.

Support Functions

Storage. To reduce the repeated shuttling and security checking of some materials now stored offsite, storage for frequently used materials and equipment would be provided in the eastern end of the proposed northside parking facility. An underground corridor would connect the storage area and the Executive Residence. More storage would be provided in the lower level of the west colonnade (currently used by the news media).

Grounds Maintenance. The maintenance facility on the south grounds of the White House would be redesigned for efficiency within the footprint of the current structure.

Infrastructure. Utility systems would be replaced and relocated to meet the changing and expanding needs of the White House.

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PROPOSED PLAN

Executive Office Support Services

Visitor Arrivals

Official visitors and White House guests would continue to use multiple entry points, including arrivals on West Executive Avenue. West Executive Avenue would be redesigned to appear similar to East Executive Park.

In conjunction with the proposed meeting facility, a new visitor arrival area would be provided under West Executive Avenue. Diplomats and business visitors could enter the reception area directly from the parking facility under Pennsylvania Avenue and could proceed either to the West Wing or the Old Executive Office Building.

Meeting/Conference Space

A new meeting and conference facility under West Executive Avenue would provide up-to-date facilities for presidential and staff meetings and official events within a secured environment near the White House. The meeting facility would provide four to five conference rooms, each capable of accommodating approximately 40 seats. The spaces would be flexible, allowing a variety of configurations to meet specific needs. For example, various sized groups could be accommodated by connecting meeting spaces as needed; if all spaces were joined, auditorium style seating could be provided for approximately 200 people. All spaces would be designed with excellent acoustics.

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ALTERNATIVE, INCLUDING THE PROPOSED PLAN

Access and Parking

Motorcades, Diplomatic and Business Visitors, and Staff. Over the long term 1,140 parking spaces for existing staff, as described below, would be provided to replace surface parking that would be removed from East Executive Park, West Executive Avenue, the Ellipse roadways, and Jackson, Madison, State, and Hamilton Places

(1) On the north side of the White House complex a 290-space underground parking facility for motorcades, diplomats, business visitors, and senior White House staff would be constructed under Pennsylvania Avenue (extending from Jackson Place east under the 1600 block of the avenue). The facility would be constructed on two levels, and a corridor would he connected directly to the meeting facility and the West Wing of the White House. This parking garage would be constructed in the first phase of plan implementation; interim parking would be leased nearby.

Vehicle access to this facility would be through an unobtrusive portal on the north side of West Executive Avenue and through an existing entry at the New Executive Office Building. The portal on West Executive Avenue would be placed so as to still allow surface access to Pennsylvania Avenue.

Vehicles using West Executive Avenue (primarily diplomats and other guests) would enter from E Street and be cleared at the southwest gate Vehicles using the NEOB entrance (primarily senior staff) would use H Street, turning into the garage entrance between 17th and Jackson Place. Staff and official visitors would be cleared at this location before vehicles entered the garage. An underground vehicle/service corridor would

connect the lower parking levels of the New Executive Office Building to the northside parking facility.

(2) The long-term goal for the remaining 850 staff parking spaces would he to provide parking under the northern end of the Ellipse and to make it easily available for round-the-clock staff use. This parking facility would not result in any increase in parking within the study area. The option of providing public parking in the facility on weekdays, weekends, and holidays would be considered during design development.

The Ellipse parking facility would be developed to preserve the integrity of the original Ellipse design and the vista. Vehicle access would be through two portals south of the Ellipse roadway (one on either side of 1 6th Street, with access from Constitution Avenue).

Two pedestrian access corridors (for daily and emergency use) would extend from the garage to the northeast and northwest corners of the Ellipse side panels, emerging near E Street in the vicinity of 15th and 1 7th Streets. Any surface facilities for stairs, escalators, or elevators coming up to street level would either be integrated into the design of the park entryways or the Ellipse side panels (where they could be screened with landscaping); no access facilities would be placed in the center of the Ellipse. Two additional emergency exit tunnels would parallel the vehicle access tunnels, coming out near Constitution Avenue.

The parking garage under the Ellipse would be implemented in the final phase of the proposed plan (between years 15 and 20). Until the facility was constructed, interim staff parking spaces would be leased in areas adjacent to the

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PROPOSED PLAN

White House and President's Park (the area being considered extends from 19th Street to 13th Street and north to I Street). Leased spaces would be in mixed-use parking facilities that operate around the clock. Leases would likely be parking permits and not for designated spaces.

Before undertaking detailed planning for long-term staff parking, various strategies to address parking needs would be evaluated, for example, encouraging the use of alternative modes of transportation, identifying alternative parking garage locations, looking in detail at operations and management, determining funding availability, and phasing implementation strategies.

Deliveries. Most deliveries to the White House complex would be handled underground, with belowgrade service corridors to various parts of the site.

The delivery facility in the New Executive Office Building (three existing loading docks) would be renovated to handle most daily deliveries to the White House complex. Access to the loading docks would be by way of H Street between 1 7th Street and Jackson Place (the same entrance as for the northside parking facility). Within the White House complex smaller vehicles would be used to make deliveries by way of underground service corridors. To ensure efficient operation of the docks in the New executive Office Building, a manager from one agency would be in charge of the loading docks and the coordination of delivery schedules for various agencies.

Some deliveries of large items (such as construction materials) would continue to be made on the surface at various entrances.

Staff Circulation

To separate staff, business, and delivery circulation from daily functions in the White House complex, a new pedestrian corridor for staff and business use would be provided underground on the north side of the White House. The corridor would connect the Old Executive Office Building, the West and East Wings, and the Treasury Building. A separate delivery corridor would parallel the pedestrian corridor and connect with the delivery corridor from the New Executive Office Building.

News Media Facilities

Media facilities for the press (newspapers, radio, and television) would be provided on the first floor of the west colonnade and in a new facility beneath West Wing Drive. The combined facilities would total 10,900 square feet, with 1,200 square feet in the upper level of the west colonnade and 9,700 square feet in the new belowground facility.

The presidential briefing room would be moved from the west colonnade to the new facility. In addition, new audiovisual facilities and areas for interviews, camera operations, photographers, foreign press correspondents, storage, vending, and restrooms would be provided. Media personnel and portable equipment would access the facility by way of a separate entrance near Pennsylvania Avenue or the north end of West Executive Avenue.

Visitor Use and Services

Seeing the White House and taking a tour through it are integral to the complete experience of a visit to the nation's capital. These activities are consistently at the top of what visitors want to see and do in Washington, even though the White House is only one of many attractions. Many more people desire to

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ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PROPOSED PLAN

visit it than can be accommodated during the limited schedule when it is open to the public. This plan seeks to make the process of visiting the White House more convenient, while enhancing the experience for those not able to go on a tour. This would be accomplished by expanding the existing visitor center and creating a museum.

Information/Orientation

The pedestrian entryways would provide information and orientation by means of interactive monitors, personal services, or other appropriate means to welcome visitors to President's Park and the White House. At all entryways visitors would be able to find out about visitor services, tours, and other interpretive opportunities at the White House, the Old Executive Office Building, and the Treasury Building. Information would be provided in various languages to accommodate the needs of international visitors. The appearance of all information facilities would be coordinated, in accordance with the Design Guidelines.

The visitor center, as well as the entryways, would provide information about transportation options in the Monumental Core area, parking, mass transit, food, lodging, and other visitor amenities. The needs of international anti foreign language visitors would be accommodated.

Visitor Center and Museum

The goal of a visitor center and museum would be to provide opportunities for a comprehensive educational experience related to the White House. The existing visitor center in the Commerce Building would be enlarged to 60,000 square feet by expanding into the two basement levels and under 15th Street.

Visitors would find exhibits and items from the White House collection that would foster an understanding and appreciation of this special place. Displays would provide information about that day's White House activities. Interactive media would allow more educational experiences for visitors, with information about the White House, presidents and first families, and presidential sites and libraries.

Other services that would be provided include ticket distribution for White House tours, tour staging, educational sales by the White House Historical Association, and personal services, as well as museum workspace and storage. The facility would be a model for how to provide physical access and programs for all people, including those with disabilities.

Interpretation/Education

A comprehensive interpretive/educational program for visitors would be focused at the visitor center and would be complemented by some interpretive activities at various sites throughout President's Park. Programs would be developed for White House tour visitors and for visitors interested in the site's diverse themes. An active interpretive and community outreach program would ensure continued relevance to local residents.

To fully interpret the White House and what it means to Americans, an ethnographic report would be completed to enhance the interpretation of this uniquely American cultural symbol. The purpose of the report would be to identify public perceptions about the White House and to develop interpretive programs that would be appealing and accessible to the full diversity of the American public. For example, evidence indicates that U.S. visitors experience the White House largely through associations with specific places (for example,

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PROPOSED PLAN

the Rose Garden) and things (such as china used by various presidents). Information about what items are most meaningful and for whom, as well as the range of activities that take place around the White House (from picture taking to First Amendment demonstrations in Lafayette Park) would support a broader development of interpretive themes and content for tours and visitor center exhibits.

A multi-media approach would help provide a context for the White House and prepare visitors for what they would see and hear on the tour. Exhibits would be oriented to people of all ages, diverse backgrounds, and different languages. Exhibits and other interpretive media would feature areas of the residence that visitors never see, reproductions of items that visitors might not notice on their tours, and important objects and correspondence related to presidents and first ladies. Stories about the lives of past presidents and their families could provide a more intimate look at the people who have lived in the White House. Opportunities could be provided for people to learn about the president's activities and offer feedback on current issues.

Also, exhibits would explore behind-the-scenes White House activities, including preparations for official events. Taped interviews and occasional live presentations by individuals who have worked in the White House would provide a special insight into the workings of the Executive Residence and the privilege of serving the president.

Other opportunities would include an array of interpretive programs and special interest lectures, films, interactive video stations, displays of fine arts and historical objects, and research collections.

An active educational program would be conducted to educate citizens about the many themes surrounding the White House and to encourage active participation in government. Schools and other organized groups would have extensive opportunities to learn about the White House and the presidency through educational services both on- and offsite, including the Internet. Special thematic tours designed for children and adults would be offered in the White House and on its grounds. Additional interpretive programming would result from more partnership activities.

A few wayside exhibits would be installed within President's Park to interpret some of the park's important features and stories. These exhibits would be placed so as not to detract from the historical scene and significant vistas.

The museum function would be coordinated with programs and services offered at other institutions in the D.C. area.

White House Tours

Tour Ticketing and Reservations

Free White House tour tickets would continue to be available on the day of a tour at the visitor center on a first-come, first-served basis. Ways for out-of-town visitors to make tour arrangements in advance would be studied.

Tour participants would first go to the visitor center to pick up tickets and to begin the orientation process and tour. All tour visitors would be encouraged to go through the orientation program.

Reserved tickets for early morning tours, which are arranged through the offices of individual members of Congress, would continue to be available.

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ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PROPOSED PLAN

Tour Staging and White House Access

Tours would be staged from the visitor center instead of the Ellipse. The tour staging area and access route to the White House would need to accommodate a maximum of 5,000 visitors over a two-hour period, with a maximum group size of 250. At their designated four time visitors would enter one of four theaters to watch a 15-minute film on the White House and the tour. Each theater would have a capacity of 250 people, and a group of visitors would be released every five minutes into a corridor that connects to a point near the White House.

The corridor would be spacious and inviting, with skylights and moving walkways to carry visitors beneath the E Street/1 5th Street intersection. At the area known as Lily Triangle on South Executive Avenue either an escalator or an elevator for the physically impaired would move visitors to an on-grade vestibule designed to blend with the surrounding landscape. Visitors would move out to the sidewalk along the south fence of the White House and proceed to the visitor entrance building, where they would pass through security.

Visitors would enter through the East Wing of the White House to tour rooms on the ground and state floors and exit through the north portico Mobility-impaired visitors would continue to use the north entrance and follow the same tour route as much as possible.

The Tour Experience

All visitor exhibits within the White House would be removed to emphasize the dignity of the home and office of the president. Tour

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PROPOSED PLAN

routes would be carefully examined to identify points where visitor flow becomes congested and where it moves more freely. Where possible, areas with less congestion would be used as points where visitors could pause briefly to ask questions or to enjoy a longer look. One such area might be the north side of the East Room, which could be temporarily cordoned off curing tours to create an L-shaped viewing area. Providing just one or two such areas would give visitors more time to enjoy their experiences.

Access and programs for visitors with disabilities would be improved; for example, personal escorts and interpretation could be provided on selected tours. Specific solutions, as well as any adjustments to the tour (such as areas for visitors to stop and take a longer look) would be determined through future discussions with the U. S. Secret Service and the White House staff.

Site Amenities

Benches and site amenities such as shaded outdoor gathering places would be provided in Lafayette Park and the side panels of the Ellipse. Food concessions and vending activities, including commercial service vending, would not be provided along sidewalks and curb lanes adjacent to President's Park on 15th and 17th Streets, H Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, or Constitution Avenue. Food services would be available in the many public and private food courts and restaurants adjacent to the site. In addition, partnership programs could be established with restaurants to offer menu items reflective of the park's interpretive themes and events, which could be accompanied by short interpretive descriptions. For example, restaurants could recreate menus from state dinners or offer some dishes particularly associated with former presidents.

Public Recreation

The interior of the Ellipse would be maintained for recreation, including informal games of softball, football, and volleyball. No permanent infrastructure would be provided for any recreational activities. The Ellipse side panels would include informal gardens with shaded sitting areas. Landscaping and vegetation would provide a more intimate scale in the side panels.

Special Events

Special events similar to those currently offered would continue to be held on the White House grounds and within President's Park. However, the following criteria would be established to guide the types of events that would be appropriate (these criteria would not apply to First Amendment demonstrations):

* Events reflect the purpose and dignity of President's Park and the White House.

* They are small scale and of short duration.

* Any commercial aspects are minimized' in keeping with the purpose and significance of the site.

* Events reflect U.S. society and its multiple cultures.

Active planning efforts would continue between the National Park Service and groups currently co-sponsoring or sponsoring special events to ensure that these criteria were met. In addition, operational procedures could be established to limit the extent of resource impacts (for example, allowing only a certain number of days for setup and takedown activities;).

The northeast panel of the Ellipse would be redesigned as a special events plaza, with permanent, but unobtrusive infrastructure (such as electrical connections and structural footing to accommodate modular staging systems and lighting). Where possible, adjacent hard surfaces (pedestrian walkways and the Ellipse roadway) would be used for infrastructure in order to minimize impacts on soils and turf.

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Comprehensive Design Plan Continued