NCPC Approves Final Capital One Arena Improvements Plans

• By Stephen Staudigl
• September 05, 2025

NCPC Approves Final Capital One Arena Improvements Plans

At its Thursday, September 4 meeting the National Capital Planning Commission approved final building plans for proposed Capital One Arena improvements submitted by the District of Columbia Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development and Monumental Sports & Entertainment. The plans would redesign the arena to transform it into a dynamic gathering location that better blends in with its surroundings, is a catalyst for future neighborhood improvements, and is furthered as a centrally located entertainment venue.

While the project also includes extensive interior renovations, NCPC only reviews proposed exterior enhancements. These include relocation of the F Street main entrance closer to 7th Street; improved entrances on 7th and 6th Streets; new digital screen displays and lighting; and the addition of a metal mesh wrap architectural veil on the building's top. Construction would be done in six phases beginning before the start of the 2027-2028 season.

Commissioners expressed appreciation for the changes the applicant made based on NCPC's feedback.

NCPC also provided comments to the General Services Administration (GSA) on concept plans submitted for the St. Elizabeths West Campus Gate 6 Garage and Site Development. The garage would be located on the 176-acre campus' northwest corner off of St. Elizabeths Road, SE and be constructed in two phases. The Commission reviewed plans for phase one, which include the proposed five-story above-ground 423,000 gross square feet garage with 1,250 parking spaces.

Commissioners liked how the garage would be integrated into the landscape and the façade design which includes modulated vertical fins, horizontal planters, and planted mesh panels. They recommended that, as the design is developed, GSA consider refining the corners so that they better integrate into the overall design. NCPC also recommended that GSA continue to evaluate traffic impacts and coordinate further with the District Department of Transportation.

Commission actions and related materials are available online.

The Commission approved three items on the Consent Calendar (no presentation was made). Unless otherwise noted, the projects are in Washington, DC.
1. Authorization to release draft updates to the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital's Federal Elements Introduction Chapter for a 30-day public comment period. (CP01I)
2. Authorization to release draft updates to the Submission Guidelines for a 30-day public comment period. (8497)
3. Comments on concept plans for the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling New Telecommunications Installation, 370 Brookley Avenue, SW. (8691)

The Executive Director approved seven items under authority delegated by the Commission. Unless otherwise noted, the projects are in Washington, DC.
1. Final site development plans for the Piney Branch Tunnel Project, 1700 Piney Branch Parkway, NW. (8434)
2. Preliminary and final site development plans for the National Zoological Park Lower Bear Habitat Revitalization, 3001 Connecticut Avenue, NW. (8690)
3. Preliminary and final site and building plans for the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Building 256 Gamble III Containment Area, 370 Brookley Avenue, SW. (8618)
4. Preliminary and final building plans for the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Defense Intelligence Agency Headquarters Antenna Installation, 370 Brookley Avenue, SW. (8684)
5. Preliminary and final site and building plans for the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Residential Outbuilding, 370 Brookley Avenue, SW. (8688)
6. Preliminary site and building plans for the U.S. Air Force Memorial Ceremonial Storage, 1 Air Force Memorial Drive, Arlington, Virginia. (8610)
7. Preliminary and final building plans for the Suitland Federal Center Tower AT&T Antenna Modification, 4400 Suitland Road, Suitland, Maryland. (8689)