a LID-LEED solution

An irreplaceable resource The McMillan Slow Sand Filtration Site is a unique combination of history, engineering, architecture and urban planning. The District government is poised to destroy this national treasure by treating it as if it were any other vacant lot to be developed. The proposed plan is uninspired and squanders the inestimable value inherent in the site. The specific nature, structure and history provide a one-in-a-million opportunity to create a world-class destination that can add immeasurably to the community’s life and to the District’s heritage tourism product.

Low Impact Development Restore Olmsted’s landscaping plan, substituting native species for specified invasives. Reconstruct McMillan Memorial Fountain. Reserve open space for agriculture: market gardens, vineyards, grazing animals, apiaries, butterfly and wildlife habitat Restore and re-purpose regulator houses. Repurpose silos for rainwater storage and wind turbine bases. ABOVE GROUND

Low Impact Development Reinforce concrete structures to current safety standards. Deconstruct damaged cells to expose underground stream and build usable beach (Miriam Gusevich proposal). Repurpose southern cells as retail space opening on to Channing Street. Restore feasible number of cells to working order as the basis for an interpretation center. BELOW GROUND

Low Impact Development Set up bottling plant for filtered water. Establish artisanal glass works to produce bottles from the sand stockpile. Convert remaining cells for agro-processing such as winery, brewery and creamery; ateliers and light manufacture. Establish theme-related specialty stores and kiosk vending. BELOW GROUND

Economic Development Agriculture Agro-processing Bottling Winery/brewery Glass works Wind energy Heritage tourism Recreational tourism Entertainment Retail Based on Competitive Advantage and Site Specific Resources: Soil. Sand. Water. Vaulted caverns.

Preserving Physical Capital 25 acres of open, green space – provides extensive permeable surface to absorb storm water runoff. 20 acres of vaulted concrete caverns – demolishing these negates the embedded energy utilized in their construction. Megatons of sand used in the filtration process can be recycled as beach fill and raw material for glass making. Tiber Creek – managing this natural waterway by daylighting it, creating a beach basin/swimming hole will reduce the water volume downstream by retention and evaporation and prevent flooding. Conservancy or land trust model with public-private partnership advocated.

Conserving Financial Capital Estimated $50-60 million of public funds required for site demolition and preparation under the current plan. LID/LEED low density development less capital-intensive allowing earlier start. Reinforcement of vaulted concrete caverns and repurposing of existing structures will cost a great deal less. Cost of sand removal is made unnecessary. The modular structure allows for phased construction based on capital availability. Agricultural leases can be negotiated from the inception providing cash flow.

Developing Social Capital Restoration of original Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. plan already recognized by the National Association of Olmsted Parks and DC Historic Preservation Review Board. Reintroducing agrarian skills to develop food security and local production. Introducing new skills and competences in food preservation, processing and packaging. Local jobs using local resources reduce carbon footprint and build local economy. Co-operatives and small businesses favored over large corporations.

Contacts Mayor Adrian Fenty (202) Vincent Gray Council Chair, (202) Harry Thomas, Jr. Council Member Ward 5; Chair Libraries, Parks & Recreation (202) Kwame Brown Council Member At-Large, Chair Economic Development (202) Mary Che Council Member Ward 3, Chair Government Operations and the Environment (202)

Links Our McMillan Sustainable McMillan Friends of McMillan Park