NCPC backs concept for underground White House screening facility, urges holistic perimeter plan

NCPC reviewed concept plans for a permanent White House visitor screening facility and approved staff comments while urging a coordinated, multi‑agency approach to perimeter security. The concept centers on a below‑grade screening facility beneath Sherman Park (about 33,000 square feet) with a small ground‑level facility on East Executive Avenue used for post‑screen egress and staff access.

Lee Webb (NCPC staff) explained that most of the screening program is oriented below grade to reduce visual impacts, and staff requested additional materials for the next review, including landscape plans showing mature trees to be removed and proposed plantings, material samples for plaza finishes and more context views toward the Treasury Building and the proposed White House ballroom. The Secret Service described queuing and throughput plans, noting underground queuing would be covered and the primary screening area left as an open floor plan sized to meet throughput targets for large events.

Commissioners broadly welcomed an underground approach and emphasized the need for a master plan to coordinate permanent perimeter security, visitor circulation and the phased removal of temporary fencing and racks that currently detract from President’s Park. Several commissioners requested that the applicant show how this screening facility would fit into a larger, multi‑site solution (north/south/east/west screening capacity) and seek to reduce sidewalk queuing exposure for large groups.

The commission approved staff’s concept comments and asked the applicant to return with the requested contextual views, tree removal/landscape plans and a briefing on a coordinated security and beautification approach for President’s Park and the White House complex.