facilities renewal master plan - National Zoo - Smithsonian Institution

FACILITIES MASTER PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
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. 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 C 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.
Mitigation for the Preferred Alternative
As design for individual projects commences, SI will continue to consult with NCPC,
CFA, and DC HPO regarding impacts to cultural landscapes. When applicable, specific
mitigation measures will be detailed as part of the conceptual design process.
B.2 Historic Structures
The National Zoo is listed in the NRHP and the Washington, DC’s Inventory of Historic
Sites as it contains very unique architecture relating to its individual function and its
surrounding environment. The range in styles reflect the changing theories of how to
best care for the animals and meet their needs while providing a safe, educational, and
entertaining experience for the visitor. The period of significance for the National Zoo
begins in 1889 with the founding of the National Zoo and the implementation of the
picturesque exhibits and landscapes that guided the design of the National Zoo to 1960.
After 1960, there was a shift in the focus from the architecture and recreational function
of the National Zoo buildings towards an emphasis on the animals in a naturalistic
environment.
The Holt House is located within the confines of the National Zoo and it is also
individually listed in the National Register under Criterion C as it is one of the few
remaining houses in Washington, DC with a five-part Georgian plan.
When the National Zoo was nominated for inclusion in the National Register in 1972,
character defining and non-character defining resources were not identified as thoroughly
as the practice is today. Therefore, as part of this planning process, the National Zoo has
identified the following structures that may be considered character defining resources:
1. 1901 Harvard Bridge
2. 1906 Think Tank (Small Mammal House)
3. 1908 Bear Yards –1913 Stone Bridge
4. 1912 Boiler House
5. 1928 Bird House
6. 1931 Reptile House/Reptile Discover Center
7. 1937 Elephant House
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION – NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL PARK 67 | P a g e