Proposed Washington Monument visitor screening facility. Via NCPC.

The preliminary plans for a visitor screening facility at the base of the Washington Monument were approved yesterday by the National Capital Planning Commission.

The National Park Service proposal, pitched in 2010, is meant to replace a temporary screening structure that’s been there since 2001. Here’s some info about what’s proposed:

The new approximately 785 sq. ft. glass pavilion would provide queuing space for up to 25 visitors, screening equipment, an office, and a staff restroom. The 30 foot wide, 27 foot deep, and 17.5 foot tall cube would be constructed with a blast-resistant laminated glass exterior layer, laminated glass interior layer, and wire mesh embedded in the middle. The pavilion, which will accommodate the more than 600,000 annual monument visitors, could be removed if conditions change.

Via NCPC.

NCPC yesterday asked NPS to provide details about geothermal walls, a lighting design and a blast and ballistic analysis. Indeed, as the NPS said in 2010, the screening facility is needed to improve protection against acts of terrorism. According to a document submitted to NCPC, the “project is scheduled to receive FY17 funding for the Design Development and Construction Documents phase of the project.” Once underway, construction would last approximately six to eight months.