facilities renewal master plan - National Zoo - Smithsonian Institution

FACILITIES MASTER PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
National Zoo. New construction would also introduce new visual features to the
viewshed.
The rehabilitation of older exhibits would impact the cultural landscape by altering a
portion of the existing circulation pattern and impact spatial relationships. The Beaver
Valley exhibits and walkways would remove the eastern part of the Valley Trail
alignment. The alignment dates from the early twentieth century and was included in
Frederick Law Olmsted’s plan for the National Zoo as “Missouri Valley.” Olmsted
designed this portion of the trail using the existing topography to enhance the visitor
experience. While the remaining historic alignment of the Valley Trail will be retained,
access to the Valley Trail will be limited to service vehicles.
The revitalization of the Mid-Point entry would restore the historic spatial relationship
between the Small Mammals House and the Reptiles through the demolition of the noncontributing
Great Ape House. The subsequent new construction would be setback
further and designed with a smaller scale to retain this important spatial relationship.
Other transportation improvements that would impact the cultural landscape, especially
North Road, through Alternative A’s comprehensive traffic and parking management
strategy include the construction of two traffic circles and a limited-use turn lane on
North Road at the Harvard Street Bridge/Beach Drive entrance. The traffic circle would
physically and visually impact the Open Lawn. Visual impacts will be minimized through
existing vegetation. The traffic circles will also alter the alignment of the southern portion
of the historic North Road alignment.
The proposed parking structure and administrative hub on North Road would have visual
impacts to the National Zoo Historic Site.
In summary, Alternative A would have minor to moderate long term adverse impacts to
the National Zoo through the proposed new construction as it would physically and
visually impact several character defining features of the cultural landscape including the
land uses and activities, spatial organization, circulation networks, small-scale features,
and the designed response to the natural environment. As a result of the demolition of
the Great Ape House, there would be a minor long term beneficial impact to the cultural
landscape through the restoration of spatial organization and views between the Small
Mammals House and the Reptile House.
Alternative B
Under Alternative B, facility improvements would result in revitalization of older
exhibits including renovation of exhibits, construction of new entrances into the National
Zoo, installation of new transportation facilities and construction of new administrative
facilities. These improvements could have physical and visual impacts to the cultural
landscape features of the National Zoo. As a result, Alternative B could result in direct
and indirect, long-term, moderate adverse impacts to the cultural landscape. Under
Section 106, Alternative B would have an adverse effect. SI has initiated consultation
with the Washington, DC Historic Preservation Office through the Section 106 process.
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