Preliminary Planning Principles - PowerPoint Presentation

Preliminary Planning Principles “Observing the Past, Planning the Future” 7.9.2014 Campus Master Plan Potomac Hill

What are Planning Principles? Preliminary Planning Principles The planning principles will guide the development of the Potomac Hill Campus Master Plan. The planning principles address major defining characteristics of the site and provide a framework for developing land use and design concepts that respond to the project’s Purpose and Need, and Goals and Objectives. What do the Planning Principles Address? Site Topography and Visibility Views from the SiteCampus EdgesConnectionsPlanning Relationships and Operational Efficiency Preservation and Reuse of Historic ResourcesCampus Landscapes Campus Identity, Structure and Cohesiveness Site Environment/ Sustainability Access and Circulation Parking Security Prior Agreements

Parcels that are not included within the master plan, which remain under Navy control Potomac Hill Campus Today

Recognize the significance of Potomac Hill’s topography, and its visibility from many locations within the urban landscape, in shaping future redevelopment of the campus Potomac Hill’s prominence was recognized in the L’Enfant Plan for the City of Washington, DC, and the property was designated for a public function/reservation; the site was seen as a potential location for a fortification overlooking the river. Site Topography & Visibility Planning Principles Potomac Hill View from Arlington Memorial Bridge to Potomac Hill

Views from the Site Maintain and strengthen views from the site towards the Potomac River and the National Mall, especially from ground level Western portions of the site offer long views of the Potomac River from ground level and southern portions of the site offer views of the National Mall, the Potomac River, and the Potomac River Valley from ground level Original views from ground level around the Old Naval Observatory towards the Capitol Hill have been obscured by subsequent developmentThe South Building at Navy Hill, has the most extensive views. Planning Principles View south from Potomac Hill Campus

Reshape campus edges in ways that improve its relationship to the surrounding city, and anticipate opportunities related to any future changes to surrounding highways Campus Edges Large retaining walls form much of the edge of the campus along 23 rd Street as well as along its north and west edges where it adjoins the E Street Expressway and the Potomac River Freeway, isolating the property from the surrounding environment NCPC/CFA’s Monumental Core Framework Plan includes recommendations related to these campus edges: Enhance pedestrian circulation and improve streetscape along 23 rd Street NW Deck the E Street Expressway west of Virginia Avenue to reestablish E Street as a beautiful streetPlace infill development over the Potomac River Freeway Perimeter retaining walls Planning Principles

Existing entry points to Potomac Hill site and DOS HST along 23 rd Street NW Campus Connections Using existing and potential future access points, establish clearly-defined connections between the campus and the DOS Harry S Truman Building, including access for service vehicles, to foster efficient government operations Planning Principles

Planning Relationships Locate programmatic elements in new and existing buildings at Potomac Hill to maximize operational efficiency within the campus and with HST while respecting historic resources Planning Principles

Preservation & Adaptive Use of Historic Resources National Historic Landmark Contributing buildings Contributing landscapes Significant treesKnown archeological sites Preserve and adapt historic resources within the property to the degree feasible; preserve the Old Naval Observatory, a National Historic Landmark, and consider opportunities for public access Planning Principles

Campus Landscape Maury Circle serves as a forecourt to the Old Naval Observatory, but is much altered; it could be restored The Navy Hill courtyard originally faced this portion of the campus’s primary entrance from 25th Street (this street was removed as a result of E Street Expressway construction) The southern edge of the campus offers views of the river and Potomac River Valley Recognize the role of landscape in defining the site’s identity and connecting it to the surrounding city; consider opportunities to create new exterior spaces and landscapes that strengthen campus cohesiveness and identity Planning Principles

Campus Identity, Structure & Organization Integrate existing and new buildings to create a campus that is visually, spatially and functionally cohesive at each phase of development; create a network of indoor and outdoor spaces that foster interaction and collaboration; overcome the campus’s current fragmented and piecemeal identity Planning Principles

Site Environment & Sustainability Incorporate current technologies related to energy load/conservation, renewables, and other considerations; as development of the site advances, opportunities related to evolving research in these areas will continue to be considered Design of the landscape and buildings will embrace the natural ecology of the site providing a resilient natural environment that addresses stormwater and plantings holistically.  Reduce amount of impervious surface. Ensure that site design and buildings embody sustainability principles, meet regulatory requirements, and continue to respond to emerging technologies and new opportunities over time Planning Principles

Access & Circulation Current site access points will be maintained Opportunities for additional access points will be considered Improve site access from 23 rd Street; separate pedestrian and vehicular circulation on site to the degree possible; employ principles of universal design to overcome challenges related to site topography Planning Principles

Parking Reduce on-site surface parking to the extent feasible; design parking to minimize impact on the site’s identity and desired pedestrian character Planning Principles

Perimeter Setbacks Access points Other considerations Security Ensure security requirements are met through quality design Planning Principles

Access to Navy parcels and USIP Prior Agreements Incorporate access and parking requirements of the Navy and USIP Planning Principles

The planning principles will guide the development of the Potomac Hill Campus Master Plan to: Create a master plan that guides development of an exceptional federal campus Embodies the highest standards of planning and design excellence, and Provides the framework for incorporating public art and architecture of distinction

Next Steps Planning and Review Are Integrated Processes Public Scoping Comment Period through July 21, 2014   Develop Master Plan Alternatives   Summer 2014 Historic Preservation Consultations Ongoing  Refine Master Plan Alternatives Fall 2014  Draft Environmental Impact Statement Early 2015 *Next Public Comment Opportunity*