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WASHINGTON — A proposed 250-foot monumental arch initiated during the Trump administration will adversely affect key sightlines of iconic Washington landmarks, including the Washington Monument and the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials, according to a report released by the National Park Service. Despite these findings, the federal agency characterized the historic and visual impacts as manageable.

The assessment was published in a 133-page report detailing the potential consequences of constructing the massive memorial near the Arlington Memorial Bridge. The report notes that the structure is likely to disrupt the historical significance of dozens of surrounding properties classified as National Historic Landmarks.

The National Park Service determined that the adverse effects stem primarily from visual, spatial, and night-time changes rather than direct physical alteration of historic grounds or structures. Landmarks slated to experience these impacts are generally those with recognized contributing views toward the Monumental Core, the Potomac River corridor, Arlington National Cemetery, and the symbolic landscape of Washington, D.C. The agency used the height, visibility, and planned illumination of the arch as the basis for assessing where alterations to vistas, settings, feeling, or historical association would occur.

Addressing preservation mandates, the National Park Service acknowledged that the proposed project would result in adverse effects to specific landmarks, but noted that federal law does not require that all harm be eliminated where avoidance would defeat the purpose of the undertaking. Instead, the agency argued, the law requires the agency to undertake planning and actions necessary to minimize harm to the maximum extent possible.

The report outlines specific design details for the proposed monument, describing it as an approximately 250-foot-tall reinforced concrete structure clad in granite. The monument is designed to be ornamented by a central winged figure and two eagles positioned above each leg of the arch.

While acknowledging that the structure's extreme height creates visual challenges, the report states that the scale was considered essential to its primary purpose. The 250-foot height was selected to honor the 250th anniversary of American independence.

During the planning process, officials evaluated various smaller arch heights in an attempt to avoid or mitigate impacts on historic properties and landmarks. However, the agency ultimately dismissed lower alternatives, concluding they would actually cause greater harm to the surrounding cultural landscape.

Specifically, planners found that smaller designs fully obstructed the historic view between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery without creating new viewing opportunities. By contrast, the proposed 250-foot arch is designed to frame the historic vista through its central opening while providing additional viewing vantage points. Furthermore, project officials determined that smaller options failed to adequately represent the 250-year milestone of American independence.