facilities renewal master plan - National Zoo - Smithsonian Institution

FACILITIES MASTER PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
features that make each building unique as well as retain the massing, exterior materials,
and fenestration pattern which is in keeping with the Secretary of the Interior’s
Guidelines for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
The revitalization of older exhibits will physically impact the Camel Building and the
Peccaries Building, as they will be relocated.
The revitalization of the entries at Connecticut Avenue and Harvard Street Bridge/Beach
Drive would have physical and visual effects on the design, setting, feeling, and
association of the National Zoo Historic Site. The revitalization of the entry at
Connecticut Avenue would impact the setting through the expansion of the existing
visitor center and the construction of the aerial tram. In particular these actions may
diminish the setting in the area of the Stone Guard Shack and may require the removal of
the stone entry piers.
The rehabilitation of service buildings would impact the setting, feeling, and association
of the National Zoo Historic Site. Alternative B proposes the rehabilitation of the
Propagation Building and the Holt House. It is anticipated that rehabilitation of the
Propagation Building will generally be restricted to interior modifications to include
upgrading the building systems, interior renovations, and exhibit renewals. Exterior
changes to the buildings’ character-defining features are not anticipated. However, if
such work were needed, rehabilitation efforts would strive for final designs that retain
architectural features that make it unique as well as retain the massing, exterior materials,
and fenestration pattern which is in keeping with the Secretary of the Interior’s
Guidelines for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
The Holt House is individually listed in the National Register. Plans to rehabilitate this
structure, which derives its significance as one of the remaining 5-part Georgian plan
homes, should follow the Secretary of the Interiors Guidelines for the Treatment of
Historic Properties.
In summary, Alternative B would have minor to moderate long term adverse impacts to
the National Zoo Historic Site through the proposed new construction as it would
physically and visually impact several character-defining features. Alternative B would
also have minor to moderate long term beneficial impacts through the rehabilitation of
the Holt House.
Alternative C (Preferred Alternative)
Under Alternative C, facility improvements would result in renovation of older exhibits,
construction of new entries into the National Zoo, installation of new transportation
facilities, and rehabilitation of administrative facilities. These improvements could have
physical and visual impacts to resources that contribute to the significance of the National
Register-listed National Zoo Historic Site. As a result, Alternative C would result in
direct and indirect, long-term, moderate adverse impacts to historic resources. Under
Section 106, Alternative C would have an adverse effect. SI has initiated consultation
through the Section 106 process with the Washington, DC Historic Preservation Office.
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION – NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL PARK 74 | P a g e