facilities renewal master plan - National Zoo - Smithsonian Institution

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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 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION – NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL PARK 36 | P a g e
FACILITIES MASTER PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT removal of O-Line would compliment and emphasize the historic structures and views within the park. Rehabilitation of the Holt House for zoo uses would further accomplish the goal of protecting and celebrating historic resources within the park. In conclusion, Alternative C fulfills the six objectives of the Master Plan, and has been identified as the “Preferred Alternative.” SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION – NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL PARK 37 | P a g e
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