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NCPC signs off on comments for Capital One Arena concept: commissioners praise material changes, debate veil and LED displays
Summary
NCPC approved staff comments on updated Capital One Arena concept plans, commending increased glazing, limestone base, and street-level activation while urging the design team to better integrate the ETFE veil with large LED displays and to provide a detailed lighting plan to limit impacts on nearby National Historic Landmarks.
The National Capital Planning Commission on May 1 voted to approve staff comments on concept designs for the Capital One Arena improvements, commending material and access upgrades while asking for tighter integration of the building veil and display elements.
Jamie Herr, NCPC staff, told the commission the project team updated the arena concept to add more glazing, introduce limestone at the street level, refine a semi‑transparent ETFE veil, and shift the main entry westward closer to the metro. Herr also said the design reduces the number of LED screens but consolidates viewing area in larger displays that could increase nighttime lighting impacts near National Historic Landmark settings.
"The redesigned arena will appear prominently in this setting," Herr said, and staff recommended the applicant "continue to refine and unify the composition of all elements, building, display screens, and veil to better respect the setting of the National Historic Landmark buildings." Staff specifically requested elimination or reduction of an LED band at the corner of Seventh and F Streets and asked for a complete lighting plan (foot‑candles, lumens, color temperature and hours of operation) at the next review.
Commissioners largely welcomed the increased transparency and new street‑level artwork and team‑history wall, but several said the veil and large digital displays are not yet fully integrated. Commissioner Green urged that the building “become a single urban building” rather than a set of disconnected parts; Vice Chair Hulet and others said the veil’s revised, more transparent form is an improvement.
The commission unanimously approved NCPC staff comments to guide further design development. Commissioner Dixon moved the motion and Vice Chair Hulet seconded; roll call showed unanimous approval.
Next steps: NCPC asked the applicant to return for preliminary and final reviews with the requested viewshed and lighting analyses and a plan showing additional street‑level landscaping and opportunities for retail activation.
