NCPC Will Take Action on the East Wing Modernization Project at Its April 2, 2026 Meeting

• By Stephen Staudigl
• March 09, 2026

NCPC Will Take Action on the East Wing Modernization Project at Its April 2, 2026 Meeting

At its Thursday, March 5 meeting the National Capital Planning Commission heard a presentation on preliminary and final site and building plans for the East Wing Modernization Project submitted by the Executive Residence at the White House. Following the presentation by NCPC staff and the project design team, Commissioners asked questions and heard testimony from members of the public.

The public comment period closed at noon on March 4 and all public testimony was heard at the March 5 meeting; no further public comments will be accepted. The Commission did not vote on the project but will take an action at NCPC's Thursday, April 2 meeting. There will not be public testimony at the April 2 meeting on this item.

In the March meeting's morning session, NCPC approved preliminary and final building plans submitted by the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation for Washington Union Station Lighting Upgrades. Proposed enhancements include uplighting to accentuate the station's architectural features and to improve visibility and safety. Commissioners appreciated that the applicant responded to previous NCPC comments to refine the lighting approach to ensure that the station's front façade provides some differentiation in brightness and contrast while minimizing light loss and spillage. They also supported the approach to the proposed lighting of the station's barrel vault and noted that only white light would be used.

Commissioners provided comments to the National Park Service on the Glen Echo Management Plan Amendment. The draft master plan for the 0.9-acre Glen Echo Park will help address demand for additional arts and cultural programming space. The park currently hosts 13 resident arts/culture organizations, has approximately 350,000 annual visitors, and is a National Historic District. The draft plan proposes to restore some of the centralized development that existed when the park was an amusement park and includes a new pedestrian connection to the shared parking lot with the Clara Barton Historic Site. The Commission supported the Park Service's proposed alternative which it believes will enhance the visitor experience through improved site access and circulation; limits demolition to non-contributing features; and proposes development in strategic locations that respects views of the park's unique features.

The Commission also provided comments on the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division - Olney Support Center Area Development Plan submitted by the U.S. Navy. The Navy obtained this 80-acre secure facility in Montgomery County, Maryland from the General Services Administration in November 2019 and developed the first plan for the area. The new plan serves as a framework for future short-, medium- and long-range projects which include a battery testing facility, new access roads, and support equipment. NCPC commended the Navy for starting the master planning process and supported focusing development on the site's southern end by the entrance and reusing existing parking and facilities to support new development.

Commission actions and related materials are available online.

The Commission approved two items on the Consent Calendar (no presentations were made). Unless otherwise noted, the projects are in Washington, DC.

1. Preliminary and final site development plans for the Four Corners Temporary Fencing Project, 501 17th Street, NW. (8746)
2. Preliminary and final building plans for the National Museum of Natural History Wireless Communications Equipment Installation, 1000 Constitution Avenue, NW. (8750)

The Executive Director approved four items under authority delegated by the Commission. Unless otherwise noted, the projects are in Washington, DC.

1. Final site and building plans for the National Zoological Park Hawthorne Street Electrical Substation Replacement, 3001 Connecticut Avenue, NW. (8673)
2. Transfer of Jurisdiction for a Portion of Reservation 2 at Liberty Loan, 401 14th Street, SW. (8723)
3. Final site and building plans for the Fort McNair Building 61 Renovation, 300 D Street, SW. (8527)
4. Preliminary and final site development plans for the Fort McNair Pedestrian Gate Upgrade, 300 5th Avenue, SW. (8747)