facilities renewal master plan - National Zoo - Smithsonian Institution

FACILITIES MASTER PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
accessible to all visitors for clarification and comprehensive interpretation of the National
Zoo’s mission, goals, and exhibits. Circulation would be eased with the introduction of
an aerial tram system. A new service drive would separate service vehicles and visitors
on Olmstead Walk. Operational and administrative facilities would be expanded to
increase the efficiency of park services, and research space, including labs and offices,
would be expanded to better support the National Zoo’s scientific efforts. The Great Ape
House would be demolished, and the O-Line would be removed for the construction of
the new visitor hub. The new facility would better compliment and emphasize the
historic structures and views throughout the park. The Holt House would also be
rehabilitated, serving the dual purpose of providing more meeting and training space and
restoring this historic resource. In conclusion, Alternative A fulfills the six objectives of
the Master Plan.
Alternative B would also renew park infrastructure by reclaiming flat and gently sloping
areas that could be utilized for exhibits and visitor use. These exhibit areas would
enhance visitor experience, while providing space for future animal habitats that could
consider the newest animal care knowledge and practices. Entry and arrival would be
enhanced through the consolidation of multiple points of entry to three main areas that
would include restrooms, dining, retail and other visitor amenities. The Connecticut
Avenue visitor center would be renovated and reprogrammed. The conversion of the
Great Ape House into a visitor and educational center would also provide a consolidated
area for educational and interpretive experiences. Visitor circulation would be improved
through the design of the new exhibit areas and steep topography would be mitigated
with the introduction of a ground-based tram that would run back and forth on North
Road. Additional park facilities and special event venues would be included under
Alternative B. The Holt House would also be rehabilitated and utilized as a meeting and
resource center, fulfilling the goal of revitalizing historic structures. In conclusion,
Alternative B fulfills the six objectives of the Master Plan.
The implementation of Alternative C would reclaim flat and gently sloping areas, such as
parking lots, which could be better utilized for visitor use and exhibit space. These
exhibit areas would enhance visitor experience by renewing outdated or aging facilities.
They would also allow flexibility for future exhibit planning to incorporate the newest
animal care knowledge and management practices. Available parking would be
increased with the addition of a structured parking deck. Multiple entries throughout the
park would be consolidated to three primary areas and a dedicated bus entry, improving
visitor entry and arrival. Each primary entry would include amenities such as restrooms,
kiosks, retail, and dining. A new Mid-Point visitor hub would replace the Great Ape
House, further enhancing the visit by providing additional special event venues and
educational areas. This area would also serve as a stop accessible to all visitors for a
clarified and comprehensive interpretation of the zoos mission, goals, and exhibits.
Circulation would be eased with the introduction of both aerial and ground-based trams.
A new service drive would separate service vehicles and visitors on Olmstead Walk.
Operational and administrative space would be expanded to increase the efficiency of
park services, and additional research offices and lab space would better support the
National Zoo’s scientific efforts. The demolition of the Great Ape House and the
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