Including Museums, Monuments and Memorials
This important area of the city is a particular focus of the Committee of 100 because of its importance to the city and its identity, and because there is generally no local residential population to monitor and comment on actions. In recent years, there has been a plethora of proposals for monuments and memorials in the area of the Mall. The Committee of 100 comments on site selection and design of memorials. Smithsonian including Bezos addition to National Air and Space, Hirshhorn, Peace Corps Commemorative Park, Fallen Journalists, Kennedy Center, NCPC plans and proposals, etc.
Document Library
- National Mall and Federal Enclave
National Mall and Federal Enclave
C100 Comments on Arch for 106 Consultation
Committee of 100 July 15, 2026 letter to the National Park Service objecting to construction of a Triumphal Arch at Memorial Circle within the George Washington Memorial Parkway in Washington, DC.
Coalition Files Suit, Unites to Save West Potomac Park
In a complaint filed June 15, 2026, the National Parks Conservation Association, DC Preservation League, National Mall Coalition, Olmsted Network, the Committee of 100 on the Federal City, The Cultural Landscape Foundation, and D.C. resident Steve Longenecker are seeking to stop a Trump-Vance administration plan to remake West Potomac Park.
White House Ballroom-Amicus Brief Filed on Behalf of C100
USCA Case #26-5123
Brief Filed by Amici Curiae (including Committee of 100) in support of a preliminary injunction to halt construction of the White House Ballroom.
C100 Comments Opposing the Proposal to Build a Large Monumental Arch in Memorial Circle
Statement of Judy Chesser, Chair, Committee of 100 on the Federal City, before the Commission of Fine Arts, Regarding the Request for Concept Approval, New Monumental Arch, Memorial Circle, George Washington Memorial Parkway, Columbia Island, Washington, DC
(Meeting of April 16, 2026, CFA 16/APR/26-1)
C100 Comments Opposing the Proposal to Paint the Eisenhower Executive Office Building White
Statement of Judy Chesser, Chair, Committee of 100 on the Federal City, Before the Commission of Fine Arts, Regarding the Request for Concept Approval, Eisenhower Executive Office Building Exterior Improvements
(Meeting of April 16, 2026, CFA 16/APR/26-3)
C100 Statement for the NCPC's March 5, 2026 Meeting Regarding the White House Ballroom Proposal
Judy Chesser
Statement of Committee of 100 on the Federal City, Before the National Capital Planning Commission, Regarding the Proposed White House East Wing Modernization and Ballroom Addition
(Meeting of March 5, 2026, NCPC File Number: 8733)
The Committee of 100 states that the proposal fails to meet nationally accepted planning standards and guidelines and that alternatives exist.
District Court Decision on NTHP Challenge to White House Ballroom Project
Civil Case No. 25-4316 (RJL)
NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION IN THE UNITED STATES, Plaintiff, v.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, et al., Defendants.
U.S. District Court Feb 26, 2026 decision denying NTHP suit to challenge the demolition of the East Wing and construct the new Ballroom.
Committee of 100's Statement on the New White House Ballroom
Before the Commission of Fine Arts:
Statement of Judy Chesser, Chair, Committee of 100 on the Federal City, Regarding the Proposed White House East Wing Modernization and Ballroom Addition
In Defense of Modernist Architecture
The emptying of DC office buildings has the potential to change DC's rich architectural heritage. This piece prepared by Claudia Russell, together with her previous piece on brutalism, suggest DC should move cautiously in changing our architectural character.