Smithsonian Institution
National Zoological Park
Comprehensive Facilities Master Plan
District of Columbia and Front Royal, VA

Completion: N/A
Size: 167 Acres (Zoo)
         3,200 Acres (CRC)
Cost: N/A

The Comprehensive Facilities Master Plan for the National Zoological Park is part of an ongoing effort by the Smithsonian Institution to document, protect and plan for physical development and the interpretation, display and storage of its collections. The goal of this project is to create a comprehensive plan for the physical development of the National Zoological Park in Washington and the Conservation and Research Center (CRC) in Front Royal, Va. The National Zoo is 167 acres of urban park designed by Fredrick Law Olmsted. The CRC is a 3,200- acre research facility in rural Virginia. The collection includes nearly 2,500 animals of 400 species.

Ultimately, the master plan will address circulation, guest experience, interpretive programs, conservation and education and will serve as a guiding document for the development of the National Zoo for the next 20 years.

Despite its long tradition and impressive history, the zoo faces considerable challenges. The facilities are old, and only a handful of exhibits reflect the zoo’s science and conservation mission. The zoo’s staff finalized a strategic plan in 2004 to guide the Comprehensive Facilities Master Plan.

In late 2004, the Smithsonian retained the services of Ayers Saint Gross to conduct the master planning process under an Indefinite Delivery and Quantities Contract. The ASG team includes specialists from around the country: PJA Architects, ORCA Consulting, Michael Vergason Landscape Architects in Northern Virginia and several other technical experts. While base mapping, topographic surveying and other site work are conducted, the ASG team is conducting a series of intensive workshops, site tours and public meetings.

The master plan is expected to be an 18-24 month process.