Design Changes Requested for Trump's Proposed D.C. Arch

Federal planners are asking for design changes to President Donald Trump's proposed 250-foot arch in the nation's capital before granting final approval. The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) staff recommended revisions to comply with a federal law limiting building heights in downtown Washington to preserve the city's skyline.

The staff report suggests that the commission approve the preliminary site and building plans for the arch but requests that the design be tweaked. The revisions would involve redistributing the height between the main structure, habitable roof structure, and statuary to adhere to the Height of Buildings Act. Despite these recommended changes, the arch, observation deck, and three gilded topper statues would still reach Trump's desired 250-foot height.

Additionally, the NCPC staff is seeking more information on traffic around the arch, the proposed granite exterior, and other project aspects. The arch is planned for a traffic circle on the Virginia side of Memorial Bridge. Opponents argue the arch is too large and would disrupt sightlines between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.

The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts previously approved the design in May. The NCPC oversees construction on federal land and began its review in June. Legal action has also been filed by veterans and a historian seeking to block the construction over concerns about sightline disruptions.

The cost of the arch has not been released, but its construction, along with a new ballroom at the White House, is expected to be funded in part by public money, contrary to earlier statements suggesting private donations would cover costs.