Dear Friends of the National Mall,
- The fencing put up around the Capitol Building after January 6th has been taken down. But the images of the People’s House behind barricades remains a terrible memory. How will Congress and the public respond to calls for future permanent barriers? This is a moment for thoughtful leadership.
- On June 24th, the National Mall Coalition presented testimony on the Smithsonian’s proposed upgrades to the Smithsonian Castle and Arts & Industries Building to the Commission of Fine Arts during its (virtual) monthly design review meeting.
- We urged CFA to take the leadership role. Instead of merely reviewing individual, piecemeal projects – flood mitigation, visitor services, clean energy upgrades – by the individual Mall steward agencies, CFA should advise the President and Congress to create a new McMillan Commission to plan comprehensively and collaboratively for the entire Mall.
- Comprehensive planning can reduce the number and costs of future construction projects, and better protect the integrity and resiliency of this lively Stage for American Democracy.
The Coalition’s National Mall Underground flood control-geothermal energy-bus parking facility is one example of collaborative, cost-saving planning and design.
Read these stories and more below.
Top stories:
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Infrastructure Upgrades can be a Turning Point for the National MallOn June 24th, the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts reviewed the Smithsonian Institution’s much-reduced plan for its museum buildings on the south side of the National Mall. The National Mall Coalition submitted testimony supporting this simpler plan. . — READ MORE |
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The Capitol Fence Comes DownOver the weekend, the fence erected around the U.S. Capitol following the January 6th riot was removed. — READ MORE |
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A Tribute to Charles I. Cassell (1924 – 2021)All of us with the National Mall Coalition are deeply saddened to learn that Charles Cassell, a founding member of the Coalition, passed away May 17th. — READ MORE |
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The National Mall Has Gone Dark: What Happened to Thoughtful Discourse in America?Board member Tom King discusses how the entire National Mall is scheduled to be closed down for the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, along with many blocks beyond it. — READ MORE |
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The U.S. Capitol and National Mall in the Shadow of SecurityBoard member Lisa Benton-Short offers her perspective on the latest Presidential Inauguration and how it assures the American people of a continued and unbroken commitment to continuity, stability, perseverance, and democracy — READ MORE |
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Who is in Charge of National Mall Security?Coalition Chair Judy Scott Feldman explores the gradual increase of measures deployed to protect the Capitol and national monuments from American citizens. — READ MORE |
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Keep Out: No Trespassing on the National MallTeacher Louise Parker Kelley asks “is this what democracy looks like?” — READ MORE |
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Afterlife for the World War II Memorial?Board member Tom King reflects on whether it’s time to replace the World War II Memorial. — READ MORE |
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Photo Gallery: The January 6th Aftermath — Our National Mall Under Lockdown
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COALTION COMMENTS / TESTIMONY
Testimony before the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts on the Smithsonian’s Revitalization of the Historic Core (RoHC) PlanThe National Mall Coalition supports the Smithsonian’s proposal, in its revised and simplified RoHC plan, to revitalize the Smithsonian Castle and Arts & Industries Building. — READ MORE |
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Tags: Mall security
