facilities renewal master plan - National Zoo - Smithsonian Institution

FACILITIES MASTER PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
small in mass and designed in such a manner to be within the existing tree canopy to the
extent possible to minimize being present from properties outside the National Zoo. The
placement of the aerial tram near the Mid-Point entry would not impact the views to and
from the Small Mammals House or Reptile House from Olmsted Walk as the tram would
be on the opposite side of Olmsted Walk.
In summary, Alternative A would have minor long term adverse impacts to
aesthetics/visual resources at the National Zoo and surrounding properties because the
parking structure and aerial tram. Alternative A would also have minor long term
beneficial impacts to viewsheds from the National Zoo by providing new viewing
opportunities to view the Adams Morgan and Washington, DC skyline with the
construction of the aerial tram and removal of the Ape House and O-Line.
Alternative B
Under Alternative B, the development of large, multi-species exhibits would occur
throughout the National Zoo. Older exhibits would be rehabilitated, and the flat land
once used for parking would be developed into new exhibits. The Connecticut Avenue
entrance and the Harvard Street Bridge/Beach Drive entrances would be revitalized. A
surface tram would be utilized to assist visitors traversing the steep terrain.
Projects under Alternative B that could have an impact to the viewshed include:
Creation of new, larger, multi-species exhibits; and
Rehabilitation of older exhibits.
The creation of new larger multi-species exhibits has the potential to impact views that
are confined to the interior of the National Zoo and views from the exterior looking
toward the National Zoo. The revitalization of Beaver Valley with a series of bridges,
structures, lifts, and ramps to mitigate the topography may impact views to Rock Creek
depending upon final design. Care should be taken during the design process to clearly
articulate the presence of viewsheds. In summary, Alternative B would have negligible
to minor long term adverse impacts to viewsheds.
Alternative C (Preferred Alternative)
Alternative C would include the revitalization of older exhibits throughout the National
Zoo. Areas once dedicated to surface parking would be reclaimed and utilized in the
development of large, multi-species exhibits. Alternative C also provides for four entry
points, including revitalization of the existing Connecticut Avenue entry, the Mid-Point
entry, the Harvard Street Bridge/Beach Drive entry, and a bus drop-off area. A surface
level tram and aerial tram would provide flexibility in the circulation system and help
visitors navigate the steep terrain.
Projects under Alternative C that would impact the viewsheds associated with the
National Zoo include:
The creation of new large, multi-species exhibits;
Revitalization and creation of four entry points;
Construction of a parking structure at Parking Lot C; and
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