One of the most visited locations in the nation’s capital, President’s Park South is a place of cultural and historic significance that requires sensitive design strategies to integrate contemporary security and environmental performance standards. The project area includes Sherman Park, the First Division Monument, the Ellipse and its side panels, as well as the associated roadways in the area, including E Street, NW, which has been closed to unauthorized vehicular traffic for the past decade.

The competition aimed at answering the question of how to unify two goals that have in recent years emerged in conflict: on the one hand, the provision of unfailing security for the Executive branch of government; and on the other, an inspired visitor experience of the President’s historic home and office.

Our proposal reunites the Ellipse and the South Lawn, two essential parts of Washington’s and L’Enfant’s original Reservation No. 1 site. The proposed Promenade connects the 2 spaces by integrating security in its design, and providing an open, flexible and memorable pedestrian experience. Limited interventions improve the environmental performance of the ellipse and the gardens side panels, while maintaining their historic integrity and legacy.

Work completed while employed at Reed Hilderbrand; Adrian Fehrmann was the Project Designer during the competition.