The Cultural Expansion Plan


  • 14 Museums
  • 6,604,000 sqft of Mixed Use Development
  •  8.3 Acres of Public Greenspace 


The Cultural Expansion Plan provides a long-term strategy for repairing the scars in southwest left by Urban Renewal. It re-unites the damaged urban fabric by burying the existing railroad and highway infrastructure, allowing for a true Maryland Avenue that extends from the Capitol to the new Banneker Circle near the Wharf. A natural grade change from Independence Ave down to Maine Avenue creates a destination “on the Mall” for 14 new museums and public spaces, with ample opportunities for private, mixed-use development around the cultural core. The Plan extends the monumental scale of the Mall beginning with the plaza to the north, and pivots to align with the waterfront at the southern end.

Existing Site Section


Proposed Site Section



The view of the Smithsonian Castle from the proposed Mall 



The new Maryland Avenue, facing towards The Capital Building.



A variety of program and architectural styles in the new cultural core.



A terminus at the southern end of the new Mall, pivoting pedestrians towards the waterfront. 



The retail spaces connected to the musuems and the mixed use buildings, activating the new 10th Street and 11th Street. 



1” = 200’-0” Scale Physical Model

Tuesday April 11 2023