On April 29, the LAIGW chapter was honored to host its luncheon program, Toward a Safer, Better and Smarter Monumental Core: A Proposed Framework, featuring distinguished planners Jim Snyder and Lou Ho. The speakers presented a bold vision for reimagining federally owned properties south of the National Mall as a vibrant “Presidential District of Innovation and Culture.” Their proposal emphasized preserving and repurposing key federal buildings through long-term ground leases rather than piecemeal property sales, creating sustainable revenue while maintaining public ownership and enhancing the nation’s capital.
The presentation outlined transformative concepts, including a Presidential National University, an International Innovation and Culture Center, Presidential District of Innovation and Culture, Independence Cultural Mile Beautification and the House of the States Superblock as a major civic and visitor destination connected to the National Mall. The framework also proposed redesigning Independence Avenue into a more walkable and people-centered corridor while integrating long-term infrastructure, sustainability, and public realm improvements. The speakers concluded with recommendations to preserve these nationally significant assets, unify management of the district, and position the monumental core for America’s 250th anniversary and beyond.
Thank you to all members and guests who joined us for this engaging discussion and thoughtful exchange of ideas. Presentation slides can be found: Toward a Safer, Better and Smarter Monumental Core: A Proposed Framework and framework narrative here.
For more information, please contact our speakers:
James B. Snyder, Former Director of Planning and Economic Development for the City of Falls Church, Virginia – james.b.snyder@gmail.com
Lu Hou, Principal in Urban Design, Cityscapes Associates International – luhou1@yahoo.com
