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Temporary facilities for events would need to be energy efficient and exhibit a strong design aesthetic, in keeping with other, more permanent site and designed elements. All temporary facilities would have to be promptly removed after the event to reduce the visual and physical impacts to the area.

Based on a continuing dialogue between officials of the Executive Residence and the National Park Service, recommendations to help protect resources would be developed for special events on the White House grounds. Such recommendations would provide the highest possible level of resource protection, while allowing the flexible use of the gardens and grounds for family and official purposes.

Transportation

Access and Circulation

E Street 15th and 17th Streets would provide two eastbound public traffic lanes and a separate access lane for White House traffic. A landscaped median would separate the public traffic lanes from the restricted access lane (this lane is currently north of the temporary concrete barriers along E Street). Authorized vehicles would be cleared to use this lane at 15th and E Streets.

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ALTERNATIVES.INCLUDING THE PROPOSED PLAN

To enhance the pedestrian experience and safety, the National Park Service would experiment with options such as timed access and crossing assistance.

Major improvements would be made to enhance E Street's appearance, including changing the shape of some medians, plantings along medians, and pavement and other material changes along the roadway to create a more parklike setting. The intent of all such improvements would be to help blend the road into the vista and minimize its intrusion. Changes in paving patterns or materials would signify a special place for all vehicles entering the park.

This plan recognizes that severe traffic problems exist in the downtown D.C. street system. Temporary interim measures involving E Street within President's Park might be undertaken to help alleviate these problems. Proposals have been introduced, such as tunnels, that are beyond the scope of this plan, but that may be considered in the future. Reducing surface traffic within President's Park would remain a long-term goal of the proposed plan.

Environmental compliance for specific projects or actions affecting the street system would be conducted as required. Before undertaking such actions, the National Park Service would coordinate with all affected agencies, including the D.C. Department of Public Works, the Federal Highway Administration, and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.

Public Parking

Surface parking for cars and buses would be prohibited within and immediately adjacent to President's Park. These restrictions would apply to the President's Park side of 15th and 17th Streets from Pennsylvania Avenue south to Constitution Avenue, the south side of H Street, and the north side of Constitution Avenue. Public parking would continue to be available offsite in nearby commercial garages.

The National Capital Planning Commission is proposing to provide parking for visitors to the Monumental Core in lots outside the city. with convenient access to the Metrorail or shuttle service to the National Mall. (Also see the discussion under "Tour Bus Management.")

Visitor Circulation and Way Finding

The National Park Service is currently evaluating a visitor transportation system that would promote the use of the regional transit system and would provide access to the Memorial (:ore. Within this area several shuttles would provide frequent service to nearby attractions (including the White House), along with interpretive messages. Visitor dropoff and pickup points would be in front of the White House visitor center on Pennsylvania Avenue South, east of 15th Street. (To reduce pollution, all shuttles should use alternative fuels.)

Improvements to the Farragut West. the McPherson Square, and the Federal Triangle Metrorail stations would be encouraged so visitors and staff could move easily above-ground from these stations to President's Park. Appropriate signs, paving patterns, and streetscape designs could be used to guide visitors. These elements would be compatible with the Design Guidelines for President's Park.

From the Federal Triangle Metro station visitors should be able to move by way of new underground connections to the new Ronald Reagan Federal Office and International Cultural Center and the Commerce Buildings From the basement of the Commerce Building, visitors would have to leave the building

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Proposed Plan

and enter the White House visitor center from the street level.

Tour Bus Management

To effectively address the management of tour buses on a citywide basis, the National Park Service would cooperate with the National Capital Planning Commission and the District of Columbia in developing a tour bus management plan for the metropolitan area. The plan would identify staging locations for buses, with shuttles to the Monumental Core.

Within President's Park tour buses would continue to line up in the early morning hours along Constitution Avenue (between l5th and 17th Streets) for tour tickets and along the west side of 15th Street. For White House tours, dropoff and pickup points for passengers would be determined in the future. Short-term tour bus parking (two hours maximum) would be eliminated adjacent to President's Park on 15th Street.

Site Management and Operations

President's Park Maintenance

A new 4,000-square-foot satellite storage and supply facility would be developed within the Ellipse parking garage. Smaller maintenance vehicles that could be accommodated in public parking garages would be used; such vehicles should use alternative fuels, be more cost-effective to operate, and easier to maneuver onsite. A mobile maintenance unit would also be developed to transport supplies and equipment needed for site maintenance Pending the completion of the Ellipse facility, the National Park Service either would work with the U.S. Department of Commerce to consider the possibility of developing a satellite maintenance facility at the Commerce Building or would find another facility within immediate access of President's Park.

The Hains Point maintenance facility would continue to house equipment used less frequently than that stored in the satellite facility.

Utilities and infrastructure would be replaced or relocated in President's Park to reduce resource impacts. Where possible, existing corridors and conduits would be used.

The proposed landscape management plan for President's Park would include guidelines for consistent maintenance practices.

Lawn irrigation systems in Lafayette Park, on the White House grounds, and at Sherman Park and the First Division Monument would be replaced with systems designed to incorporate sustainable practices (for example, more efficient water use). An irrigation system would be installed on the Ellipse and its side panels.

Ellipse Steamline

The steamline that currently crosses under the middle of the Ellipse would be relocated Any proposed relocation alignment would have to meet the following criteria:

- The relocated steamline and associated facilities (such as vents and access points) do not affect historic tree patterns, cultural resources, or views within President's Park.

· Intake and exhaust vents are located so as not to encourage use by individuals (i.e., sleeping by homeless individuals). Grates are designed to have minimal visual impact and to blend with adjacent paving materials, in accordance with the Design Guidelines. No visible steam is exhausted through the vents.

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ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PROPOSED PLAN

· There is no perceptible noise from mechanical equipment (for example, vent fans and pumps)

- The tunnel is sized to accommodate all regular maintenance actions by using only designated access points. Maintenance access points are away from trees and turf.

- The abandoned steamline is removed and backfilled to create a suitable environment for turf growth, and the turf on the Ellipse currently affected by the steamline is replaced.

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NO-ACTION ALTERNATIVE

The no-action alternative would continue current management strategies for the White House and President's Park. There would he no comprehensive design for the area.

The existing character of the site would remain. Management decisions regarding the development and appropriate design of elements within President's Park (e.g., site amenities, monuments, paving materials, temporary concrete barriers, other fences and barriers, and infrastructure for special events) would be made on a project-by-project basis. No coordinated efforts, such as scheduling events in different parts of the Ellipse, would be undertaken to minimize impacts frown overuse.

A long-term design for Pennsylvania Avenue would be undertaken at a later date. Surface parking would continue in all currently used areas of President's Park.

Resource Conservation and Management

Cultural Resources

The White House collection would continue to be managed under existing agreements, with the National Park Service responsible for storage and transportation. Onsite storage at the White House would continue to be accommodated in various areas. No central holding area would be provided for items that were damaged or in transit.

The placement of new memorials within President's Park would continue to be decided by the Fine Arts Commission, the National Capital Planning Commission, and the National Park Service. All existing memorials would remain in place and would receive conservation/preservation treatment as noted.

Archeological recording and monitoring would be conducted on individual projects as they occurred.

Plant Materials

Best management practices and other protective measures would continue to be undertaken to protect significant resources, such as the American elms on the Ellipse.

Home and Office of the President

Executive Residence

First Family Recreation

Indoor recreation space would remain limited to what is available within the Executive Residence.

Support Functions

Storage. Storage space within the Executive Residence would continue to be minimal and crowded. Most storage would be at offsite facilities, requiring frequent deliveries of commonly used items. Logistics for loading, transporting, gaining access to the complex anal passing through security, and unloading items would be time consuming.

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No-Action Alternative

Grounds Maintenance. Existing facilities for grounds maintenance at the White House would be used.

Infrastructure. As utilities and infrastructure were replaced or relocated the recommendations of the "Greening of the White House" would be followed.

Executive Office Support Services

Visitor Arrivals

Residence and business visitors would continue to arrive at various gates throughout the White House complex, and East Executive Park and West Executive Avenue would be available for vehicular access by official visitors. Visitors to the West Wing would be greeted at the entrance on West Executive Avenue. Parking on West Executive Avenue would continue to be difficult because of limited space and vehicular congestion.

Meeting/Conference Space

Rooms within the White House complex, including state rooms in the Executive Residence, would be used for meetings and conferences. Space for larger groups would remain limited.

Access and Parking

Motorcades, Diplomatic and Business Visitor, and Staff. Motorcades would continue to be staged where most convenient throughout the White House complex. Diplomatic and business visitors, as well as senior staff, would park in areas around the White House such as West Executive Avenue and State Place, and East Executive Park and Hamilton Place. Staff permit parking would continue on Ellipse roadways.

Deliveries. White House deliveries would be made through various gates and unloaded at multiple surface locations throughout the White House complex. Existing locations include West Executive Avenue, the Old Executive Office Building, East Executive Park, and the north portico of the White House.

Staff Circulation

Staff would move about the site through traffic areas on the surface, narrow corridors, offices, work spaces, and the ground floor of the Executive Residence.

News Media Facilities

Existing space on the upper and lower floors of the west colonnade would continue to be used as office space, a presidential briefing room with camera platform, and equipment storage. Space for office carrels, storage, recording booths, tape reviewing offices, and lounge areas would continue to be extremely limited and congested.

Visitor Use and Services

Information/Orientation

Information about President's Park and site events would be available at kiosks or display boards at each end of East Executive Park, the visitor center, and the Ellipse visitor pavilion.

Visitor Center

The existing White House visitor center in the Commerce Building would continue to provide information and orientation. Visitors would acquire tickets here Tuesday through Saturday for White House tours. The visitor pavilion on

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ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PROPOSED PLAN

the Ellipse would continue to provide information, food service, and restrooms.

Interpretation/Education

Interpretive and educational exhibits and videos at the visitor center would provide limited information about the White House, the presidents, and their families. Ranger-guided tours or other information programs would be provided as allowed by staffing levels. Few outreach programs would be conducted.

White House Tours

Tour Ticketing and Reservations

Tour tickets would only be available on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the tour' except for congressional tours where tickets would be acquired in advance through the offices of individual members of Congress. Tickets would be distributed at the White House visitor center.

Tour Staging and White House Access

From March through Labor Day White House public tours would begin from the Ellipse. When receiving their tickets, visitors would be given the time to assemble on the Ellipse and wait for their tour. Tour groups would be escorted by NPS rangers across E Street and along the south grounds fence to the visitor entrance building. From Labor Day through February tours would queue along the fenceline, with timed tickets at the visitor center.

The Tour Experience

Inside the White House, tours would follow the current route. Mobility-impaired visitors would enter through the northeast gate and the north portico.

Site Amenities

Minimal site amenities such as benches would be provided. Some needs would continue to be provided by temporary equipment or facilities such as water bubblers.

Public Recreation

A range of informal recreational opportunities would continue to be available, including volleyball, softball and football, in-line skating, and walking. No permanent infrastructure for sports activities would be provided.

Special Events

A variety of permitted events would continue on the Ellipse, in Lafayette Park, and within the White House grounds. The location, frequency, and duration of events in President's Park, as well as required infrastructure to stage events, would be determined by the National Park Service in conjunction with event partners or sponsors, when appropriate. No controls on the growth of events would be established.

Transportation

Access and Circulation

Streets in and near President's Park would likely retain their current configurations. E Street between 15th and 17th Streets would operate as it does currently, with two east-bound public traffic lanes and a restricted access lane for White House traffic. A median would separate the two uses.

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No-Action Alternative

Public Parking

A limited number of metered and time-limited parking spaces on Constitution Avenue and 15th and 17th Streets would remain available for the public. In addition, spaces within President's Park that are used by staff during the week would be available to the public during evenings and weekends.

As described for the proposed plan, the National Capital Planning Commission is considering proposals to provide visitor parking in outlying lots with convenient access to the Monumental Core by way of Metrorail stations or shuttle service to the National Mall.

Visitor Circulation and Way Finding

The National Park Service, as described for the proposed plan, is evaluating a visitor transportation system to promote the use of the regional transit system, with access to the Memorial Core. Within this area shuttles would provide frequent service to nearby attractions, including the White House, and interpretive messages.

A connection between the Federal Triangle Metro stop and the Commerce Building would be developed (through efforts outside this plan) to facilitate visitor access to President's Park and the visitor center.

Tour Bus Management

Tour buses would continue to line up in the early morning hours along Constitution Avenue (between 15th and 17th Streets) and along the west curb of 15th Street for tour tickets. During White House public tour hours, tour buses would continue to park around the site wherever they found space.

Site Management and Operations

President's Park Maintenance

Hains Point would continue to be the primary offsite equipment and supply base. Additional support services (such as electrical, plumbing, and carpentry shops, plus a nursery) would also be offside.. The management and administration of maintenance operations would continue out of the White House visitor center.

Ellipse Steamline

The large steamline running under the Ellipse would remain in place.

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ALTERNATIVE 1

Alternative 1 would respect traditional patterns of use and site relationships. Programs and actions undertaken would be designed to clarify and reinforce the relationship of President's Park and the White House to the presidency. All functions and support services would be provided within the boundaries of President's Park.

Comprehensive Design

Design elements at the edges of President's Park and within the area would identify this as a unique precinct within the District of Columbia. Design characteristics at Constitution Avenue and the National Mall would blend with those on the grounds of the Washington Monument.

As described for the proposed plan, major entryways would signify to pedestrians that they were coming into President's Park. Entries would be at Madison and Jackson Places on H Street and at 15th and 17th Streets on Pennsylvania Avenue, E Street, and Constitution Avenue. Entryways on H Street and Pennsylvania Avenue would be considered in a long-term design for the avenue.

Where possible, all major support operations and facilities would be accommodated within the White House complex and President's Park. Site functions and operations would be improved and simplified, ensuring that the integrity and design intent of the park were respected.

As described for the proposed plan, a parking facility for motorcades and senior White House staff would be built beneath Pennsylvania Avenue. On the west side of the White House complex beneath West Executive Avenue a new meeting/conference facility would be built, with space for first family recreation, the news media, and storage. Additional staff parking facilities would he built on the east side of the park south of the Treasury Building and under the north end of the Ellipse.

A new visitor center would be built underground in the northeast quadrant of the Ellipse. Visitors would have additional opportunities to learn about the presidency and the White House through interpretive programs conducted throughout the park.

E Street would become four lanes across the site (two lanes in each direction). As described for the proposed plan, the other roadways on the Ellipse would be closed to vehicular traffic except for access by emergency and authorized traffic. The historic configuration and character of the Ellipse roadways would be retained, but they would be used as wide pedestrian paths providing access to adjacent formal gardens. In accordance with the Design Guidelines, aesthetically pleasing materials would be used to repave the Ellipse roadways. The chosen materials would be consistent with other design elements throughout President's Park.

Resource Conservation and Management

As described for the proposed plan, agencies with responsibilities on the site would be encouraged to adopt a consistent stewardship and management approach to protect all cultural and natural resources within President's Park. Elements of this program would include keeping all cultural resource documentation current, and identifying, inventorying, and assessing the condition of historically significant trees and specimen plants.

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ALTERNATIVE 1

Cultural Resources

A new fine arts and decorative arts storage area would be provided within or near the White House, as described for the proposed plan. Limited public access to the White House collection would be provided, with the approval of the White House curator.

As described for the proposed plan, a comprehensive study of probable archeological resources would be prepared. Archeological recording and monitoring of any ground disturbances, such as construction, would be conducted on a project-by-project basis. The archeological resource collection would he available for research and interpretation.

Plant Materials

As described for the proposed plan, a comprehensive landscape management plan would be prepared. Plant materials and soils would be monitored for adverse effects, and corrective actions taken as needed. All significant plant material damaged or lost through natural causes or development actions within President's Park would be replaced with stock propagated from original plant material.

Home and Office of the President

Executive Residence

First Family Recreation

Secure, indoor, multipurpose family space would be provided under West Executive Avenue.

Support Functions

General storage for the Executive Residence would be provided under West Executive Avenue, in conjunction with the meeting/ conference facility. With the removal of news media facilities from the west colonnade, the use of this space would be returned to the Executive Residence.

As described for the proposed plan, the grounds maintenance facility would he redesigned within its existing footprint to improve efficiency, and utilities would be replaced and relocated.

Executive Office Support Services

Visitor Arrivals

Official visitors and White House guests would continue to use multiple entry points to the complex; arrivals on West Executive Avenue would continue.

As described for the proposed plan, a visitor arrival area would be provided in conjunction with the new meeting/conference facility under West Executive Avenue. Access would he provided to the West Wing and the Old Executive Office Building.

Meeting/Conference Space

As described for the proposed plan, new meeting and conference space for presidential and staff meetings and official events would be provided under West Executive Avenue. This space would facilitate meetings of varying size within a secured environment near the White House.

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ALTERNATIVES. INCLUDING THE PROPOSED PLAN

Access and Perking

Motorcades, Diplomatic and Business Visitors, and Staff. Under this alternative 1,310 parking spaces would be provided over the long term to meet existing and future staff needs, as described below:

(1) On the north side a 290-space under-ground parking facility would be provided beneath Pennsylvania Avenue for motorcades, diplomatic visitors, business visitors, and senior White House staff, as described for the proposed plan. Vehicle access would be through an unobtrusive portal on the north side of West Executive Avenue (placed so as to maintain surface access to Pennsylvania Avenue) and through the New Executive Office Building.

(2) On the east side a 170-space parking/delivery facility would be built beneath the south plaza of the Treasury Building and portions of East Executive Park. This facility would provide parking for Executive Office and Residence staff, senior level Treasury Building staff, and guests for White House evening functions. Vehicles would enter from 15th Street onto Hamilton Place and into an east-facing portal at the west end of Hamilton Place.

(3) For other staff an 850-space, two-level parking facility would be developed under the northern end of the Ellipse, as described for the proposed plan. 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 16th Street and accessible from Constitution Avenue).

This parking facility would be reserved for staff use only and would operate around the clock. An underground pedestrian corridor from the northeast corner of the facility would lead to the vicinity of the visitor center, while a corridor from the northwest corner of the garage would lead to the vicinity of E Street and 17th Street. As described for the proposed plan, any surface structure to house a stairway, escalator, or elevator would either be integrated into the design for the pedestrian entryway or into the adjacent side panel (where it could be screened by landscaping).

Before these facilities were designed, staff parking needs would be comprehensively assessed, as described for the proposed plan. During construction, interim parking would be leased nearby.

During the course of planning for this project, the Treasury Department developed plans for possible utility work beneath the south court or southwest lawn area of the main Treasury Building. Such a project would conflict with the proposed location of the 170-space parking facility. The design of the parking garage would need to be evaluated to determine if it was compatible with the utility work.

Deliveries. Deliveries on the west side would be accommodated by way of the New Executive Office Building, as described for the proposed plan, with access from H Street. Smaller vehicles would carry items to the northside parking facility through an underground vehicle/service corridor.

Deliveries on the east side would be through the underground parking/delivery structure south of the Treasury Building, which would have two loading docks separate from the parking area. If additional loading docks were needed, the parking could he reconfigured or reduced slightly. A new underground service corridor would be used to carry items throughout the site.

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Alternative I

Deliveries of large items would continue to be made on the surface through various entrances.

Staff Circulation

As described for the proposed plan, a new underground pedestrian corridor on the north side of the White House would provide east/ west access across the site, from the Old Executive Office Building to the Treasury Building. A separate delivery corridor would connect with the delivery corridor from the New Executive Office Building.

News Media Facilities

All news media facilities now in the west colonnade would be moved to a new 10,900-square-foot space beneath West Executive Avenue. Access for personnel and portable equipment would be through a dedicated entrance near Pennsylvania Avenue or the north end of West Executive Avenue.

Visitor Use and Services

Information/Orientation

Basic site orientation and information would be provided at the pedestrian entryways to President's Park, as described for the proposed plan.

Visitor Center

A new 66,000-square-foot White House visitor center would be constructed beneath the northeast section of the Ellipse, where the visitor pavilion is now located. This facility would provide comprehensive visitor service, information/orientation, and educational functions. Visitors would access the facility by means of a ramp from the Ellipse down to a belowgrade entry plaza.

Interpretation/Education

The focus of interpretive and educational pro-grams at the visitor center would be the history of the White House and the presidency. Large-scale models and full-scale room reproductions would allow visitors to better understand the layout and use of the White House rooms. Throughout President's Park, visitors would encounter scheduled and impromptu living history programs with costumed interpreters talking about former presidents, their families, and administrations

As described for the proposed plan, an active educational program would be conducted for visitors, schools, and other organized groups to learn about the White House. Special thematic tours would be offered.

White House Tours

Basic procedures for visitors to get White House tour tickets and orientation before people started their tours would be the same as the proposed plan.

Tours would be staged from the new visitor center on the Ellipse. After watching an orientation film, visitors would be directed through a pleasantly apportioned corridor leading from the visitor center to the existing visitor entrance building. The 700' corridor would feature lighting, sounds, and artistic visuals or television monitors showing activities on the surface, all designed to reflect the dignity of the White House. Moving walk-ways would carry visitors in three minutes or less from the visitor center to security checkpoints at the base of escalators up to the entrance building. The visitor entrance building would be remodeled to accommodate

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ALTERNATIVES' INCLUDING THE PROPOSED PLAN

escalators, an elevator, and a stairway. As now, visitors would enter the White House through the East Wing, walk through the ground and state floors, and exit through the north portico. Mobility-impaired visitors would enter through the northeast gate and the north portico.

As described for the proposed plan, all visitor exhibits would be removed from the White House. Tour routes would be carefully examined to identify areas where visitors could enjoy a more leisurely view of some rooms. Access and programs for visitors with disabilities would be improved.

Site Amenities

To minimize intrusions on the landscape, few amenities would be provided throughout President's Park. Only benches, water fountains, and trash receptacles would be found at appropriate locations. As described for the proposed plan, no commercial vending would be allowed on the sidewalks or curb lanes adjacent to President's Park, and no food concessions or vending activities would be provided. Nearby food service facilities would be encouraged to offer menu items reflective of park themes

Public Recreation

Active recreational uses in President's Park would be discouraged by offering programs such as interpretive activities, special events, and concerts.

Special Events

Special events held in President's Park (excluding First Amendment demonstrations) would need to reflect the purpose of the White House and President's Park, and they would need to he worthy of attendance by the first family. All special events currently produced within President's Park would remain, but they would be reduced in scale and in duration. NPS-sponsored special events would be culturally inclusive.

Events would be dispersed around the Ellipse and other areas of the site to allow sufficient time for lawns and garden areas to recover from past events. For example, the side panels of the Ellipse would be used for special events. No new infrastructure for events would be provided.

Transportation

Access and Circulation

E Street would become a four-lane road with two eastbound and two westbound lanes from 15th Street to 18th Street (see appendix I). Within President's Park a separate access lane for White House traffic would not be provided (as it is now); official traffic would have to use general traffic lanes on E Street to access West Executive Avenue and East Executive Park.

Westbound E Street traffic at 18th Street would turn right onto 18th and left again on New York Avenue. To accommodate four lanes of traffic, E Street would be widened 12' to the south between 17th and 18th Streets, eliminating the 8' existing sidewalk and on-street parking.

A pedestrian underpass at E Street just west of Sherman Park would provide access for staff and park visitors to the Ellipse and the White House visitor center.

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Alternative 1

Public Parking

As described for the proposed plan, no surface parking within President's Park would be allowed for automobiles or tour buses. Visitor parking would continue to be available in nearby commercial garages and potentially in lots outside the city, with a shuttle service into the Monumental Core area. The Park Service would continue to help implement visitor parking and transit options in cooperation with the National Capital Planning Commission and other interested parties.

Visitor Circulation and Way Finding

As explained for the proposed plan, the National Park Service is evaluating a visitor transportation system that would promote the use of a regional transit system. Access would be provided to the Monumental Core, with shuttles to nearby attractions, including the White House.

Improvements to nearby Metro stations (Farragut West, McPherson Square, and Federal Triangle) would be encouraged to allow visitors and staff to move easily aboveground from these stations to President's Park.

Appropriate signs, paving patterns, and streetscape design could be used to guide visitors from Metrorail stations to the White House area. These elements would be compatible with the Design Guidelines for President's Park.

Tour Bus Management

As described for the proposed plan, the National Park Service would cooperate with the National Capital Planning Commission and the District of Columbia in developing a citywide tour bus management plan. This plan would assess offsite staging for tour buses.

Like the proposed plan, dropoff and pickup points for passengers on White House tours would be determined at a later time.

Site Management and Operations

President's Park Maintenance

As described for the proposed plan, a new 4,000-square-foot park maintenance facility would be built as part of the Ellipse parking garage. Some storage space would also be provided.

In addition, utilities and infrastructure would be replaced and relocated to reduce resource impacts, a landscape management plan would provide guidelines for maintenance operations, and lawn irrigation systems would either be replaced or installed.

Ellipse Steamline

The steamline beneath the Ellipse would be relocated, based on same criteria as in the proposed plan.

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ALTERNATIVE 2

Alternative 2 programs and facilities would meet the needs of the many users of President's Park and the White House complex, including all staff, tourists, and the news media. All areas of President's Park would he visually unified. Most functions would be accommodated within the boundaries of President's Park.

Comprehensive Design

To visually unify all elements of President's Park, north/south views along East and West Executive Avenues would be strengthened. E Street would be tunneled, allowing pedestrians to move safely and easily throughout the park and providing unobstructed views to and from the White House.

Unique design documents denoting the special character of President's Park and the White House would be used along H. 15th, and 17th Streets, as well as along Constitution Avenue. Cooperative efforts would be undertaken with adjoining property owners to help establish a neighborhood identity. Similar to alternative 1, design elements would be used on Constitution Avenue along the south side of President's Park to visually tie this area to the Washington Monument and the National Mall.

Pedestrian entryways would be developed at major entrances to the site. As described for the proposed plan, the entryways along H Street and E Street would be designed to harmonize with the surrounding architectural and site vocabulary, while the entryways along Constitution Avenue would adaptively reuse the Bulfinch gatehouses.

Similar to the proposed plan, new facilities would be provided belowground, including meeting and conference space, general storage, news media facilities, indoor recreation space for the first family, and access corridors for staff circulation and deliveries.

The landscape panels in the center of East Executive Park would be removed and replaced with textured pavement to reinforce the north and south axis from Madison Place to the Ellipse. East Executive Avenue would take on the character of a broad pedestrian street, and West Executive Avenue would be redesigned in a similar fashion, but it would not be open to the public.

Pedestrian plazas on the eastern and western portions of South Executive Avenue would extend the experience for both visitors and residents. The plazas would offer pedestrians expansive vistas of the Washington Monument and the Ellipse.

A new visitor center would be constructed belowground south and west of the U.S. Treasury Building, with access for White House public tour visitors directly into the visitor entrance building. Activity nodes in the Ellipse area would accommodate an expanded interpretive program, and areas for viewing vistas would be created.

As described for the proposed plan, the Ellipse roadways would be closed to vehicular traffic except for access by emergency and authorized traffic. The historic configuration and character of these roadways would be retained, but they would be used as wide pedestrian paths leading to gardens accented by groves of trees, informal gathering areas, and meandering paths. In accordance with the Design Guidelines, aesthetically pleasing materials would be used to repave the Ellipse roadways. The chosen materials would be consistent with other design elements throughout President's Park.

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Comprehensive Design Plan Continued