ST. ELIZABETHS WEST CAMPUS CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT

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1 ST. ELIZABETHS WEST CAMPUS CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT A. WEST CAMPUS LANDSCAPE TREATMENT ALTERNATIVES This chapter provides treatment guidelines for the St. Elizabeths Hospital West Campus cultural landscape. Working from the documentary platform presented in previous chapters, this chapter explores cultural landscape preservation treatment alternatives and formulates the most appropriate approach. The proposed treatment draws on the history of the West Campus as an evolving therapeutic landscape and on the analysis of historic and existing character, focusing on remaining landscape features from 1852 to the early 1940s and on the character of the landscape during the end of the period of significance. Guidelines are developed to steer the stewardship and future rehabilitation of the West Campus cultural landscape into the future. The selected treatment approach combines Preservation with Rehabilitation. This acts as a preservation philosophy that guides decision-making about physical interventions and ongoing management of the West Campus. This approach is articulated as a guiding philosophy to address multiple goals in the renewal of the St. Elizabeths Hospital cultural landscape. The recommendations are intended to advise the process of accommodating new uses that are compatible with the historic character of the hospital landscape. In recognition of the National Historic Landmark designation of the West Campus and in order to meet preservation objectives of the General Service Administration, the treatment approach and guidelines need to address federal preservation standards. For cultural landscapes, the Secretary of the Interior s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for the Treatment of Cultural Landscapes (Guidelines) and A Guide to Cultural Landscape Reports: Contents, Process, and Techniques identify and define preservation treatments that can be applied to any historic property. 1 This Federal preservation guidance establishes four approaches to the preservation treatment of cultural landscapes: Preservation, Restoration, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction. These treatments propose different levels of intensity of intervention and activity within a landscape. When approaching treatment alternatives, the baseline intent is to identify and respect remaining historic character and features within the landscape. To address the preservation treatment of the West Campus cultural landscape, the amount and detail of available documentation, the understanding of the property s evolution from 1852 to the early 1940s, and the understanding of landscape use are important aspects for consideration. An understanding of the overall character and details of the landscape has been achieved in the preceding chapters. The level of landscape VIII.1

2 change over the course of time is another consideration in terms of the ability to link historic landscape character to treatment options within the existing landscape. Anticipated use, access, safety, Americans with Disabilities Act consideration, financial resources and maintenance capabilities are also considered as directed by the project objectives. As background, preservation treatment definitions are quoted from the Guidelines as follows. A1. Preservation Preservation is defined as the act or process of applying measures necessary to sustain the existing form, integrity, and materials of an historic property. Work, including preliminary measures to protect and stabilize the property, generally focuses upon the ongoing maintenance and repair of historic materials and features rather than extensive replacement and new construction. 2 Preservation is the most modest intervention approach, in which stabilization and repair is emphasized. It is an appropriate stewardship and sustainability choice when combinations of the following situations are present: many elements are intact; interpretive goals can be met within the existing conditions; and financial resources and/or staffing are limited. Preservation can also be viewed as a provisional treatment until the acquisition of additional documentation to allow for restoration or reconstruction, or until resources are garnered to commence a more ambitious intervention. Preservation treatment emphasizes the goals of conserving, retaining, and maintaining the historic fabric and underlies the other three, more intensive preservation treatment approaches. Preservation safeguards the historic landscape resources by applying an appropriate stewardship approach. Preservation can and should be applied as an initial and underlying approach that values the historic places and carries out stewardship actions on its behalf. A2. Restoration Restoration is defined as the act or process of accurately depicting the form, features, and character of a property as it appeared at a particular period of time, by means of the removal of features from other periods in its history and reconstruction of missing features from the restoration period. 3 In contrast to Preservation, Restoration is dependent on high levels of documentation for a clear restoration target date to undertake an intervention with limited speculation. Restoration treatment first seeks to stabilize and repair all historic features present during the period of significance. Secondarily, a Restoration treatment reinstates lost character by fully renewing degraded aspects and features of the cultural landscape. The treatment may also require the removal of features added after the time period designated for restoration. Restoration aims to recapture the overall character and details of an entire landscape or may seek to restore a selected landscape unit, detail, or group of elements. Restoration of overall landscape character, spatial organization, land uses, land patterns and visual relationships can be applied without restoration to precise details of all elements. In some cases restoration of every detail to an earlier time is not possible due to lack of specificity of documentation, projected staffing, and/or available financial VIII.2

3 resources. While a Restoration approach can have nuances, it generally requires a substantial intervention. This intervention is usually focused on elements of the original landscape that remain but are in a deteriorated state that is beyond a preservation approach. A3. Rehabilitation Rehabilitation is defined as the act or process of making possible a compatible use for a property through repair, alteration, and additions while preserving those portions or features that convey its historical, cultural, or architectural values. 4 The third treatment approach, Rehabilitation, incorporates preservation values with contemporary uses and issues of maintainability and sustainability. Rehabilitation treatment emphasizes compatibility with historic resources and respect for safeguarding remaining historic character and elements. Rehabilitation philosophy combines respect for the historic resources with integration of contemporary uses, maintenance, code compliance, security, and other relevant concerns. The treatment is frequently applied to public landscapes with high use and to formerly private landscapes that are opened for public access. Aspects of historic recapture and contemporary use, maintainability, and sustainability can be accommodated through a Rehabilitation treatment approach. A4. Reconstruction Reconstruction is defined as the act or process of depicting, by means of new construction, the form, features, and detailing of a non-surviving site, landscape building, structure, or object for the purpose of replicating its appearance at a specific period of time and in its historic location. 5 Reconstruction of a lost or significantly degraded landscape in its original location is not often undertaken. A Reconstruction treatment may be the most appropriate approach in a museum setting when documentation is complete, adequate resources are available, and interpretive goals direct full recapture. In large landscapes a missing element or detail, such as a particular feature like a fountain or pond or a unique furnishing like a bench, is sometimes reconstructed. This approach is uncommon because detailed documentation is required to construct an exact replica with limited speculation. Partial reconstruction is also possible for specific features in cases of incomplete documentation. Preservation, Restoration, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction treatments each address different levels of intervention within a historic property. The first step in the treatment of historic landscapes is thorough planning with respect for the remaining features that contribute to the historic character and significance of the cultural landscape. All treatments respond to protection of historic resources as well as contemporary use, enjoyment, safety, access, codes, maintenance, and service needs. The objective in handling these issues is to respond simultaneously to preservation responsibilities and to valid current concerns. VIII.3

4 B. LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION AND REHABILITATION RECOMMENDED TREATMENT For the St. Elizabeths Hospital cultural landscape, a Preservation and Rehabilitation treatment is the most appropriate preservation approach. Basic interventions under a Preservation treatment include stabilization and repair that could address deterioration of remaining landscape features, such as brick walks, brick and stone boundary wall, and vegetation management of existing trees and woodlands, among other items. St. Elizabeths Hospital carries the historical legacy of a living landscape with a resident community; however, the stimulation of new uses will be necessary to bring the presently mothballed campus into service. Preservation alone is deemed insufficient to accommodate the range of new uses of a revitalized West Campus cultural landscape. For the same reason, Restoration and Reconstruction are also inappropriate as treatments for the hospital. As an overall treatment strategy, Restoration and Reconstruction best address historic properties where the desired effect is the replication of a landscape or landscape feature at a specific point in time. These treatments are often successfully employed where current and future use of the cultural landscape is similar to past use. The West Campus is not intended for future use as an active asylum or for the hospital landscape to return to the precise condition of a point in the past. As a result a more appropriate intervention that addresses historic landscape character while adapting to contemporary needs is proposed under a Rehabilitation philosophy. Combined with Preservation, the Rehabilitation approach respects the remaining historic features of the landscape and seeks to recapture, or bring back, historic spatial organization, views, and patterns and reinstate specific features to enhance historic character, while adapting the property to future needs and resources. The selection of a Rehabilitation treatment for the West Campus landscape as a whole does not preclude the selected preservation, restoration, or reconstruction of lost or partially remaining individual features within the landscape. This proposed intervention provides a philosophical framework that respects the historic place, its character, features, materials and details, and reinforces landscape integrity while providing flexibility to address contemporary considerations. Overall preservation treatment recommendations can be provided to summarize each of the five cultural landscape units that make up the West Campus. Unit 1: Preserve/Rehabilitate Unit 2: Preserve/Rehabilitate Unit 3: Preserve/Rehabilitate Unit 4: Rehabilitate Unit 5: Rehabilitate Units 1 and 2 form the historic designed core of the campus and retain the majority of the character-defining features of the cultural landscape. This CLR advocates for the preservation and rehabilitation of these units due to the concentration of significant features with high levels of integrity. While preservation concerns remain highest in this part of the campus, certain areas of Units 1 and 2 may be able to absorb more intensive rehabilitation efforts. Particular aspects of VIII.4

5 Unit 3 such as the view from the Point at Golden Raintree Drive and the wooded ravine north of Sweetgum Lane warrant focused preservation attention, although other areas of the unit may be able to incorporate new uses if carried out in a way that does not severely impact landscape features that contribute to the character of the campus. Units 4 and 5 also contain components of priority features for preservation but more readily support new functionalities that would be unsuitable in other landscape units such as Units 1, 2, and 3. Overall, Preservation and Rehabilitation treatment will help guide the stewardship of all units of this nationally significant cultural landscape. C. LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION TREATMENT GUIDELINES FRAMEWORK The landscape treatment guidelines for the rehabilitation of the St. Elizabeths Hospital West Campus landscape begin as a discussion of a conceptual approach using the design principles of Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr. This is followed by sections describing three levels of preservation treatment action to include protecting what remains, recapturing what is degraded, and introducing new features. The following list summarizes the principal concepts of landscape treatment recommendations under the three levels of preservation action. Respect what remains that is historic through sound stewardship Respect and incorporate landscape evolution particularly from the 1850s to the early 1940s Retain historic spatial organization and visual relationships to the extent possible Preserve historic circulation Protect and manage historic vegetation and design Preserve and rehabilitate specific historic landscape features Enhance historic character through replacement or recapture of character-defining features Replace missing historic vegetation in an arboretum style Reconstruct missing circulation elements using original materials Recapture spatial patterns by relocating contemporary features Recapture character-defining details by installing site furnishings that blend with the historic character of the campus Identify the appropriateness of new development to the historic fabric of the hospital Harmonize new campus features with the historic character of the hospital Renew the historic character of the campus through the accommodation of new uses Design for the appropriate functionality of the cultural landscape using historical precedents General guidance for the West Campus cultural landscape is to preserve the remaining characterdefining features and work to accommodate future uses within a philosophy of respect for what has survived from the period of significance. Of initial focus is the need to protect the intact VIII.5

6 cultural landscape features that contribute to the historic character of the campus. Significant historic elements in modified or degraded form can be repaired or reconfigured to enhance the historic character of the site. In the course of new campus interventions, the opportunity may arise to rehabilitate the historic character of an area by removing contemporary features that obscure or degrade the historic campus. The relocation of a parking area from the primary façade of a building, for example, would help to renew the views and spatial patterns from the period of significance. The potential also exists to enhance the historic character of St. Elizabeths Hospital by replacing particular missing landscape features and elements of design from the period of significance. The placement of entirely new features in the landscape should harmonize with the character of the historic campus yet remain distinguishable from the historic fabric. Subtle alterations in design, style, material and other aspects of a new element can help a new element blend into the hospital landscape. Additional preservation intervention principles are organized in the following conceptual approach to treatment of the campus. D. CONCEPTUAL APPROACH TO TREATING THE ST. ELIZABETHS HOSPITAL CULTURAL LANDSCAPE It can be helpful to consider historical design ideas when planning for a cultural landscape. Historic design intent and execution lead to landscapes with character definition. These frameworks can be useful for new interventions in a cultural landscape. Design principles of Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr. can be applied to the West Campus of St. Elizabeths Hospital. A list of design concepts assembled by Olmsted scholar Charles E. Beveridge summarizes the Seven S's of Olmsted's Design. 6 Although Olmsted, Sr. played only a peripheral role in influencing the hospital landscape, his design ideas provide useful suggestions for the reactivation of the cultural landscape of the West Campus. D1. Scenery Design of "passages of scenery" even in the small spaces and in areas intended for active use. Creation of designs that give an enhanced sense of space: indefinite boundaries, constant opening up of new views. Avoidance of hard-edge or specimen planting, creating instead designs that have either "considerable complexity of light and shadow near the eye" or "obscurity of detail further away." 7 Movement through the landscape at St. Elizabeths Hospital is very important in regards to landscape planning. Curvilinear walks and drives offer changing sequences of internal campus views and distant vistas. Vegetation and building massing play large roles in the structuring of scenery. The distribution of specimen trees at St. Elizabeths Hospital is carried out in an arboretum style with clusters, massing, and a scattered placement of individually and collectively significant trees. The assemblage of trees in Units 1 and 2 is a particular style for the West Campus and should not be confused with the Olmstedian principle of avoidance of isolated specimen plantings. VIII.6

7 D2. Suitability Creation of designs that are in keeping with the natural scenery and topography of the site: respect for, and full utilization of, the "genius of the place." 8 Genius of place is also known as genius loci or spirit of place and is often defined as the essential nature of a particular place. Common in 19 th century landscape design, it was thought that each place had unique and distinct qualities that were embodied in the scenery. Early landscape designers identified and highlighted these inherent qualities to enhance the place through their design interventions. In this regard, the historic landscape components of the West Campus embody the principle of suitability. Roads and paths, for example, generally conform to topography and fit into the undulating landforms. The campus landscape reflects its conception as an organic whole in which topography, structures, and vegetation have been planned and designed to harmonize. Placement of new features should also fit with the character of the West Campus and vivify original characteristics of the site. New buildings, for example, would be designed with consideration of historic viewsheds and the existing scenery of the site. D3. Style Designing in specific styles, each for a particular effect. Primarily in the "Pastoral" style (open greensward with small bodies of water and scattered trees and groves) for a soothing, restorative atmosphere, or in the "Picturesque" style (profuse planting, especially with shrubs, creepers and ground cover, on steep and broken terrain), for a sense of the richness and bounteousness of nature, with chiaroscuro effects of light and shade to produce a sense of mystery. 9 Distinguishing, respecting, and enhancing the different styles of each landscape unit and visual space zones is important on the West Campus. Units 1 and 2 differ from each other but share more similarities than differences when compared to Units 3, 4, and 5. Certain design interventions may be more appropriate in one type of landscape unit than another. A modernistic structure that is out of scale for its surroundings but concealed in the woodland of Unit 5 confers a different impact on the historical landscape than it would in Unit 1. D4. Subordination Subordination of all elements, all features and objects, to the overall design and the effect it is intended to achieve. The "Art to conceal Art." 10 The principle of subordination is important for preserving the total character or gestalt of the campus. The larger design elements at St. Elizabeths Hospital are largely intact today because of respect for the overall character of the campus during periods of change. It is evident that during the period of significance few new features were added or old features were removed that radically altered the land patterns or circulation movements of the hospital. The addition of new features is particularly salient to the issue of subordination given the historic integrity of the VIII.7

8 West Campus. Any new element should harmonize with its surroundings rather than direct attention to itself as a new imposition in the cultural landscape. D5. Separation Separation of areas designed in different styles, so that an "incongruous mixture of styles" will not dilute the intended effect of each: separation of ways, in order to insure safety of use and reduce distractions for those using the space; separation of conflicting or incompatible uses. 11 The separation of uses or character zones is a concept reflected in the current landscape of the hospital. Each landscape unit espouses its own character. Units 1 and 2 embody overlapping yet distinct styles based in part on phases of campus development during the period of significance. Within Unit 1 various zones are physically and visually separated such as the difference between the interstitial spaces extending west between the Center Building and the General Kitchen and the passive recreation areas north and south of the Center Building. New uses should be encouraged to strengthen the uniqueness of each unit and distinct visual character areas. D6. Sanitation Provision for adequate drainage and other engineering considerations, not simply arranging of surface features. Planning or designs so that they promote both the physical and mental health of users. 12 Historically, sanitation at St. Elizabeths Hospital was important both in biomedical sense and in the affective sense of the campus being a pastoral respite with separation from the city. Even without recreating the hospital as an asylum, using the campus landscape to promote the health and well-being of users is a feasible goal. This can be accomplished with the development of new uses if environmental variables are considered for the experience and comfort of the user as well as the health and maintenance of the physical landscape components. D7. Service Planning of designs so that they will serve a "purpose of direct utility or service;" that is, will meet fundamental social and psychological needs: "So long as considerations of utility are neglected or overridden by considerations of ornament, there will be no true Art." 13 The principle of service implies that the West Campus is a utilitarian landscape on several levels. The reason for its creation and characteristics of design underlie the former place of the hospital as a social service. The design and placement of historic elements of the campus are intended to be restorative gestures such as the therapeutic landscape of Units 1 and 2. The future plans for use of the hospital landscape by public agencies are consistent with the principle of service. The planning of new functionalities on the campus should craft the physical site to be attractive but VIII.8

9 also of direct service. Specifically, services should be provided in an integrated manner that does not disrupt the historic landscape character. E. PRESERVATION OF HISTORIC LANDSCAPE CHARACTER- DEFINING FEATURES The chief principle in the treatment of the cultural landscape of the West Campus is respect for remaining historic features through sound stewardship. Historic character-defining features exist in a range of conditions across the hospital landscape. The following list of phases serves as basic conceptual guide for the treatment of extant historic landscape features of St. Elizabeths Hospital: Retain and Stabilize when Intact Repair when Degraded Rehabilitate when Modified This section enumerates specific landscape features of the West Campus that should be preserved and protected under an ideal redevelopment regime. The items listed are extant historic features that contribute to the integrity of the hospital and should be retained, repaired, or rehabilitated. The status of the features is also listed in each entry in the following charts. The existing condition status, taken from Chapter VII, is a comparison of cultural landscape features on the 1937 Period Plan and the Existing Conditions Plan. The contributing features to be preserved are identified in the following tables and are identified graphically at a scale of 1 = 300 on Plan VIII.1: Campus Landscape Treatment Plan - Preservation. E1.1 Natural Systems and Features All 3b, 3c, 3f, 3g 5i, 5j, 5m, 5q Status Treatment Natural Systems and Features Prehistoric Anacostia River dynamics shape X N1 Retained Retain campus landforms Woodland cover on north slope X N2 Expanded Rehabilitate Regenerated Woodland cover on west slope X N4 Expanded Rehabilitate New Regenerated The natural systems and features of the West Campus are signature elements of the cultural landscape and should be preserved. The larger landforms of the hospital site and the processes that shape them should be guarded from impacts through any preservation treatment. Woodland and associated natural communities on the north and west slopes should be rehabilitated to enhance environmental quality. The current condition and the history of disturbance and forest succession in these areas indicate that a woodland management program would be useful for VIII.9

10 improving quality of the natural systems of the West Campus. This rehabilitation approach would protect the visual appearance of low-intensity land usage that is an aspect of Units 3 and 5 that contributes to the historic character of the cultural landscape from within and outside of the property. E1.2 Land Uses and Cultural Traditions Land Uses and Cultural Traditions Status Treatment 5 Veneration of Civil War Cemetery X L7 Retained Retain Occasional visits by historical societies and other interested groups to the Civil War Cemetery should be facilitated in a preservation and rehabilitation treatment. This activity is one of the only remaining cultural traditions that involves the St. Elizabeths Hospital landscape. E1.3 Spatial Organization and Land Patterns Spatial Organization and Land Patterns Status Treatment All Hospital boundary and total acreage X O1 Modified Retain 1 Unit 1: Therapeutic, Ornamental Landscape and X O2 Modified Rehabilitate Overlook around Center Building and Main Gate 1j, 1k, 1l Landscape north of Center Building: Lawn with trees shaped by the system of drives and framed by building mass 1k, 1o Landscape south of Center Building: Lawn with trees shaped by the system of drives and framed by building mass X O3 Retained Retain X O4 Retained Retain 1j Athletic Field Landscape X O5 Retained Retain 1l, 1p, 2p East Allison Landscape: lawn with trees and summerhouses 2 Unit 2: Therapeutic, Ornamental Landscape around Pavilions and Secondary Entrances. 2t, 2x Central lawn west of Administration Building: Lawn and trees framed by Buildings A, B, C and M 3 Unit 3: Agricultural Landscape of Greenhouses, Fields and North Slope X O6 Modified Rehabilitate X O7 Modified Rehabilitate X O8 Retained Retain X O9 Degraded Rehabilitate 1g, 3g Point Landscape: Open lawn with individual trees X O10 Retained Retain 3h, 3l Burroughs Cottage Landscape X O12 Retained Retain VIII.10

11 FEATURES continued CF CLR Status Treatment 4 Unit 4: Service Landscape and Ravine around Power House and Service Buildings X O13 Expanded Rehabilitate 5 Unit 5: Civil War Cemetery and West Slope X O14 Modified Rehabilitate 5i Civil War Cemetery with trees over lawn X O15 Modified Retain In a Preservation and Rehabilitation approach to a cultural landscape treatment, the retained aspects of historic spatial organization and larger land patterns should be priorities for protection. These features create a framework for the overall historic character of the West Campus. Landscape units have individually coherent qualities that form the boundaries between them. Rehabilitation efforts that are appropriate in one unit may not be appropriate in another. Similarly, five primary and three secondary subcomponents of the West Campus landscape units have discrete spatial characteristics that remain from the period of significance. Areas north and south of the Center Building and west of the Administration (A) Building are unified spaces framed by surrounding architecture with views under the tree canopy. These important open spaces are framed trees and a backdrop of building mass which contribute to the unique character of the West Campus landscape (see Figure VIII.1). The spatial and visual qualities of these areas are contributing landscape features and should be preserved. Discrete spatial zones around the Point and the Civil War Cemetery are also important historic areas defined by topography, vegetation, and views out. The Point offers large and open overhead access to the sky while the cemetery is enclosed by tree canopy. The confines of the Civil War Cemetery are articulated by surrounding trees that offer seasonal views out (see Figure VIII.2). Impacts to the integrity of Point and the cemetery should be discouraged. Three secondary subcomponents of landscape units are smaller, unified areas that maintain spatial integrity since the period of significance: Athletic field landscape, Burroughs Cottage landscape, and the landscape east of Allison Buildings. These areas are spatially intact and contribute to the framework of the character of the hospital landscape. E1.4 Views and Visual Relationships Status Treatment Views and Visual Relationships 1, 2, 3 Views of walls and West Campus gates along Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue X V1 Retained Retain 1k, 1g Expansive vista north to the Monumental Core City and beyond 1j, 1n, 1o Episodic views and vistas from high ground of Unit 1 to rivers and Monumental Core 1l Slot views to Monumental Core from Cedar Drive X V2 Retained Retain X V3 Modified Rehabilitate X V4 Retained Retain VIII.11

12 FEATURES - continued CF CLR Status Treatment 1j, 1k, 1l Visual zone north of Center Building: Lawn with trees shaped by the system of drives and framed by building mass X V5 Degraded Repair 1k, 1o Visual zone south of Center Building: Lawn X V6 Degraded Repair with trees shaped by the system of drives and framed by building mass 1j Athletic Field visual zone X V7 Retained Retain 1l, 1p, 2p East Allison visual zone: lawn with trees and summerhouses X V8 Modified Rehabilitate 4s Visual relationship between the architecture of X V9 Retained Retain the Monumental Core and the Power House towers 2t, 2x Visual zone at central lawn west of X V10 Degraded Repair Administration Building: Lawn and trees framed by Buildings A, B, C and M 2s Slot view to Monumental Core at Buildings J X V11 Retained Retain and K 1k, 1g, 3k, Views over Anacostia and Potomac confluence X V12 Retained Retain 3g to northwest 1, 3, 5 Perception of river access X V13 Retained Retain 1k, 1g, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3f, 3g Visual zone of Point Landscape with trees, lawn, and views across agricultural fields and orchards X V14 Modified Rehabilitate 3, 5 Views across wooded areas X V15 Expanded Retain 3, 5 Views from points across the river to the Topographic Bowl of the wooded Anacostia River bank and St. Elizabeths Hospital X V16 Expanded Retain 3h, 3l Burroughs Cottage visual zone X V17 Retained Retain 4 Internal views of service and industrial X V18 Retained Retain landscape 5i, 5j Slot view to Monumental Core from Civil War Cemetery X V19 Retained Retain 5i Internal views of Civil War Cemetery X V20 Modified Rehabilitate Persisting historic views and visual relationships should be retained through preservation or enhanced through rehabilitation. The corridor along Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue is a view formed by the walls of the East and West Campuses. This linear visual feature is the primary means by which the public experiences the hospital landscape today and as it was during the period of significance. The three-dimensional spatial relationships between the road, sidewalk, perimeter wall, gate enclosures, and the visual space behind the wall should be retained and protected. Another primary feature of the West Campus landscape is the series of long views VIII.12

13 toward the west and north across the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers. These views, particularly the vista from the Point of Golden Raintree Drive, should be retained. Related aspects of visual relationships at St. Elizabeths Hospital include the views from points across the rivers to the West Campus. The vegetated hillsides of Units 3 and 5 and the two smokestack towers of the Power House create context and reference points in the hospital landscape. Also, the perceived relationship between the hospital and the river relates to the importance of the wooded hillsides that block views of development that has occurred outside the property since the early 1940s. These views and visual relations should be retained in order to maintain the integrity of the historic campus landscape. Rehabilitation of the historic spatial character of the grounds is important for modified visual zones and views. Many of the primary visual zones on the West Campus are compromised due to the loss of trees over time and the addition of parking areas in important viewsheds. Preservation of the remaining trees and the restriction of landscape intervention that is not synchronized with the historic character of the property should be encouraged. Additional restoration efforts would entail the replanting of trees in an arboretum style in Units 1 and 2. Preservation efforts would ensure the integrity of specific visual zones throughout the campus. E1.5 Topography and Drainage Topography and Drainage VIII.13 Status Treatment 1 2 Prehistoric Anacostia River bank plateau X D1 Retained Retain Slopes and ravines separating the historic designed X D2 Degraded Repair campus from related service and agricultural landscapes 3g Overlook Point north of Golden Raintree Drive X D6 Modified Retain 3f, 3g Intermittent stream between Golden Raintree Drive and Sweetgum Lane X D9 Degraded Repair 4s Power House ravine X D10 Modified Rehabilitate 5q, 5r, Intermittent stream along SW property line X D11 Modified Rehabilitate 5v Large topographic features including the shape of the riverbank plateau and the overlook Point have integrity and should be retained. The belt of hillsides and ravines extending from the high ground of the campus are in generally modified and degraded condition and warrant repair through erosion control and limited replanting. The Power House ravine is an existing topographic feature that contributes to the character of the hospital landscape. Eroding slopes in the area should be stabilized; however, stabilization should only occur outside of the limits of the older woodland patch and former dump, which has archaeological potential. The two remaining intermittent streams along the southwestern property line and between Golden Raintree Drive and Sweetgum Lane are similarly eroded. These historic drainage features should be rehabilitated. The stream along Sweetgum Lane is particularly impacted and contains debris from previous attempts to limit scouring and other stream course modifications. These

14 unsuccessful attempts to control the stream flow are indicative of the need for a larger integrated solution to stormwater runoff on the West Campus. The rehabilitation and repair of the stream would form part of the larger solution and would focus on improving stream quality and preserving the high quality woodland surrounding the stream. E1.6 Vegetation Status Treatment Vegetation 1 2 Trees in an arboretum style planting over turf X T1 Degraded Repair (approximately 312 historic trees remain) 1l Holly trees east of Staff Residence No.3 and west of Gatehouse No. 1 X T2 Degraded Repair 1k, 1j, 3l Specimen tree plantings north and northwest of Center Building (Southern magnolia, American holly, cedar, beech, maple, American elm, and English elm) 1k, 1o Specimen tree plantings at south/southeast lawn of Center Building (Southern Magnolia, American Holly, Willow Oak, Silver Maple, Bald Cypress. Pine and Gingko no longer remain) 1o Grove of magnolia trees southwest of rear entry to Center Building 1n, 1o Shade trees near location of former West Lodge (White oak. Willow oak no longer remains) 1o Shagbark hickory west of Detached Dining Hall and Kitchen 1p Perimeter willow oaks north of Gate No.2, East of Allison Building 1l, 1p Lawn plantings east/southeast of Allison Complex (Southern Magnolia, Horse Chestnut, Linden, Hickory, Willow Oak, and Ash) 1g Shade trees at Promontory lookout (Willow oak, pin oak, honey locust) 1l 1k 2p White oak allée from Gatehouse No. 1 to East Willow Building Formal Garden at plantings at Southern entrance to Center Building Shade trees at Gatehouse No. 2 (ginkgo, beech, horse chestnut, linden, elm) X T3 Retained Retain X T4 Degraded Repair X T5 Degraded Repair X T6 Degraded Repair X T7 Retained Retain X T8 Degraded Repair X T9 Degraded Repair X T10 Degraded Repair X T12 Degraded Repair X T15 Degraded Repair X T17 Retained Retain 2p Hedgerow north of B Building X T18 Degraded Repair VIII.14

15 FEATURES - continued CF CLR Status Treatment 2t Oak allée/hedgerow East of L Building X T19 Degraded Repair 3g, 3h, 3l Horticulture and food crops near greenhouses X T23 Degraded Rehabilitate 2w, 5w, 2s, 4s, 4r, 4o, 4n, 5i, 5j, 3f, 3g, 3k, 3j Woodland along west slopes toward Anacostia River, along northwest, west, and southwest property boundaries (Oak, beech, maple, elm species) X T24 Expanded Regenerated Rehabilitate 3f, 3g High quality woodland with older specimens in ravine along Sweetgum Lane 4s, 4r High quality woodland with older specimens in the ravine south of the Power House 4n Older specimen trees on the hillside north of Holly Street leading to the Warehouse and Laundry Building 5w High quality woodland with older specimens along the West Campus perimeter due west of the parking lot associated with Q Building 5i, 5j Older specimen trees in and around the Civil War Cemetery X T25 Retained Retain X T26 Retained Retain X T27 Retained Retain X T28 Retained Retain X T29 Retained Retain The West Campus of St. Elizabeths Hospital contains numerous areas with historic extant vegetation. The arboretum-like collection of trees makes up one of the most significant groups of resources on the campus today; however, most of the older trees are in decline and require various levels of care to promote their health. The collection overall suffers from the effects of gradual loss. Every area with historic trees in Units 1 and 2 is in need of care and renewal. Sensitivity to historic vegetation is evidenced by the intentional warping of paths around large tree roots such illustrated by the photograph of a large European Beech (Fagus sylvatica) in Unit 2 (see Figure VIII.3). Care also must be taken to protect historically significant vegetation in the overall campus rehabilitation effort. The task of excavating underground features, for example, should be coupled with an understanding of the impact it will have on the health of the remaining historic trees and other landscape features (see Figure VIII.4). Recent conditional and prescriptive assessments of the existing trees on the West Campus include sections of Chapter VI: Existing Conditions in this CLR and the report and database created by Bartlett Tree Experts. Recommendations from these reports should be followed with an understanding of the place of existing vegetation in the context of its role as a character-defining feature on the historic hospital cultural landscape. In addition to the care of existing trees, the repair of these areas includes replanting trees in the style of the historic assemblage. Preservation and repair of remnants of historic vegetation is important in a preservation and rehabilitation treatment of the cultural landscape. The missing individual trees of the white oak allée near the Center Building and Gate No.1 present an opportunity to repair the degraded condition of a historic feature and enhance landscape character. Planting approaches for VIII.15

16 repairing tree allées can vary depending on the existing health of the trees and the desired landscape effect. One approach is to replant trees in the gaps of the allée where trees were located historically. Similarly, trees can be replanted as older trees die within the allée. A second approach is to replace one section of the allée at a time, usually starting within the area of the allée showing the most decline. Trees within the area would be removed and replanted at the same time. A third approach is replanting the entire allée at the same time. Shrubs and perennial plantings on the West Campus are only present in a few locations such as in the ornamental garden at the Center Building, shrubs at Hagan Hall, and hedgerows at B Building. These remaining vestiges of the historic landscape should be preserved. Remnants of the former horticultural and agricultural use of the campus is limited to a small area north of the Greenhouse Complex. This area is associated with the greenhouses and had been transformed into a community garden, although active operation of the garden plots has ceased in recent years. If horticultural activities are to survive and continue into the future on the West Campus, the area around the current garden and Greenhouse Complex is a historically appropriate location. Larger agricultural activities that once occurred on the north slopes of Unit 3 are no longer extant and would not necessarily be incorporated into a preservation treatment. The woodland that now predominates in Units 3, 4 and 5 is characteristic of the West Campus and should be rehabilitated through a forest management program. The program would focus on invasive species and controlling disturbance regimes according to the intensity of effort. Within these units, there are five woodland patches that contain old specimen trees. These woodland areas are identified on Plan VIII.4: Woodland Landscape Treatment Plan as Woodland A, B, C, D, and E. While the majority of the existing wooded areas at the hospital have been severely altered since the early 1940s, these five areas have remained intact. Their preservation is important for retaining the historic character of the hospital. Of these, four areas consist of high quality woodland: Woodland A, in the ravine along Sweetgum Lane; Woodland D, in the ravine south of the Power House; Woodland C, in the slope adjacent to Woodland D; and Woodland E, along the southern perimeter of hospital near Q Building. The fifth area, Woodland B, is the open grove in and around the Civil War Cemetery. The trees in this area are an integral part of the character of the cemetery. The character of the cemetery grove with an open understory could be expanded to the locations of additional metal crosses outside of the cemetery fence. The five groups of older trees outside of the ornamental landscape contribute to the integrity the West Campus and should be monitored and managed for health and regeneration. E1.7 Circulation Circulation 1 2 Graceful and sweeping pedestrian circulation pattern 1p Herringbone brick walk between Allison D and Relief and around the base of Relief and Allison Buildings VIII.16 Status Treatment X C1 Modified Repair X C2 Degraded Repair 1p Herringbone brick walk west of Allison A X C3 Degraded Repair

17 FEATURES - continued CF CLR Status Treatment 1n, 1o, 1j, Herringbone brick walkway at base of Center, X C4 Degraded Repair 1k, 1l, 1p Holly, Linden, and Detached Nurses 1k, 1l, 1o, Brick patio between Holly and Detached Nurses X C5 Degraded Repair 1p 1k, 1l Concrete curvilinear walk parallel to Cedar Dr X C6 Retained Retain 1o Concrete walkway at south lawn of Center X C7 Retained Retain Building 1n, 1o Aggregate paved walkway at former West Lodge X C8 Retained Retain entrance 2s Paved concrete walk south of L Building X C9 Retained Retain 2x Paved concrete walk connecting E Building X C10 Retained Retain toward L Building 1 2 Graceful and sweeping vehicular circulation X C11 Degraded Repair pattern 1 2 Narrow radii historic drop-off loops at building entrances X C12 Degraded Repair 1k, 1g, 3k, Golden Raintree Drive layout (Paved loop road X C15 Modified Retain 3g from Main Loop Road to promontory) 1k, 1o, 1j, Cedar Drive and Sweetgum Lane layout (Paved X C16 Modified Retain 1n, 3f, 1l Main Loop Road at Upper plateau/portion of Lowlands) 2t, 2x Two road intersection triangles on Redwood X C17 Retained Retain Drive 2x Vehicular and pedestrian underpass under Martin X C18 Modified Retain Luther King Avenue 2p, 2t Granite curb along roadway from Quadrangle to X C19 Retained Retain Gatehouse No.2 2s, 2t Spruce Street and Redwood Drive Loop (Paved X C20 Modified Retain Loop Road at Richardson Quadrangle) 2s Willow Street and Plum Street loop layout X C21 Modified Retain 2p, 2t Paved Entrance drive at Gatehouse No.2 X C22 Retained Retain 2t, 2x Paved Road East of A, B, C, and M Buildings X C23 Modified Retain 2p Paved road south of Staff Residence X C24 Modified Retain 3j, 5i Unpaved agricultural road between Cemetery X C25 Degraded Retain and Sweetgum Lane 3l Paved Road to Greenhouse from Main Loop X C26 Modified Retain Road 4o, 4s Unpaved road west of Ice Plant X C28 Modified Rehabilitate The remarkable integrity of the St. Elizabeths Hospital cultural landscape is strongly influenced by the retention of the historic circulation system. Character-defining features such as sidewalks, trails, road alignments, and curbs should be retained and protected from adverse impacts. Road alignments and widths should be preserved. Historic character of the landscape is enhanced by VIII.17

18 replacing sections of road and sidewalk using historic materials. Of particular note for repair are the sections of brick paths in Unit 1. The partially and fully buried brick path segments require excavation and relaying in order to prevent further degradation and to render them functional. E1.8 Landscape Structures Status Treatment Landscape Structures 1j Domed metal arbor adjacent to Staff Residence X S1 Degraded Repair No. 2 1p Gazebo, East of Allison C, (herringbone brick X S2 Degraded Repair paving at base) 1p Gazebo, South of Home and Relief Buildings X S3 Degraded Repair 1k Decorative iron fence at south side of Center X S4 Degraded Repair Building at eastern garden courtyard 1o Iron pipe Railing East of Bakery/General Kitchen, X S5 Degraded Repair along path from Center Building 1k Iron railing at southern entrance to Center Building X S6 Retained Retain 1j Brick steps at western lawn of Center Building X S10 Retained Retain 1p, 1l, 3l, Brick wall at perimeter of hospital from X S11 Degraded Repair 3h Greenhouse Complex to area of Gatehouse No. 2 1k Tennis Lawn Area, northeast of Center Building X S12 Degraded Retain 1k Iron bollard at junction of former carriage trail and X S13 Retained Retain turnaround at northern Center Building entrance 2s Iron drainage grate at Toner/Oaks Complex Road X S14 Retained Retain 2p, 2t, 2x, Brick wall at perimeter of hospital from south of X S15 Degraded Repair 2w Gatehouse No. 2 to Administration (A) Building 2p, 2t, 2x, Stone wall at perimeter of hospital from X S16 Degraded Repair 2w Administration (A) Building to Building Q 2s Brick and iron rail retaining wall at site of Toner X S17 Degraded Retain Building 3l Stone walls with cobble and dental caps at the X S19 Present Retain Greenhouse Complex 3l Retaining Wall east of drive to Greenhouses X S20 Modified Rehabilitate 4o Stone walls with dental caps and integrated steps X S21 Degraded Repair at the Ice Plant 4o Bluestone steps on hillside from Construction X S22 Degraded Repair Shops to Ice Plant 5r Brick perimeter segment wall along SW property edge X S24 Degraded Repair Landscape structures remaining from the period of significance should be stabilized, retained, and if necessary repaired or rehabilitated. Significant landscape buildings include two summerhouses, or gazebos, in the landscape between the Allison Buildings and the brick perimeter wall. Repair of the summerhouses should include addressing failure of structural VIII.18

19 members, wood rot, and roof leaks. Additional treatment would replace the ornamentation lost since the early 1940s and leveling of the brick foundation and walks associated with the structures. A domed metal arbor next to Staff Residence No. 2 also contributes to the character of the West Campus cultural landscape. Broken and bent aspects of the frame should be repaired. After repairing the arbor, ornamental vines that created shade within the structure should be replanted. Other remaining structures include various walls, fences, rails, steps, and smaller circulation related elements. These items contribute to the significance and integrity of the hospital landscape and should be retained, repaired, or rehabilitated. The brick and stone perimeter wall including the gates is the primary historic landscape structure that the public experiences on the West Campus (see Figure VIII.5). Repointing of the perimeter wall should occur as part of protecting the integrity of the feature. Similarly, the stone walls and steps at the Ice Plant and stone walls at the Greenhouse Complex are integral to the composition of the cultural landscape in those locations. The Greenhouse Complex walls require minor stabilization efforts to prevent further decline; however, the historically significant walls at the Ice Plant require repair and the stabilization of the adjacent slopes. Only a portion of the original extent exists for some features like metal railing near the Center Building and the decorative iron fence in the formal garden at the Center Building. The intact sections should be preserved as remnants of the historic fabric of the campus. Other vestiges of the past include the iron drainage grate at Willow Street and the iron bollard north of the Center Building. These persistent landscape elements should be preserved to convey the story of the previous phases of hospital landscape use and development. Figures VIII.6 and 7 reveal parts of the remaining decorative fence and metal rail near the Center Building. The photographs also illustrate the importance of coordination and communication for campus rehabilitation efforts. Sections of the rail are torn from the ground and sections of the decorative fence are run over by machinery involved in stabilization of the Center Building. The multiple objectives in the preservation of all historic hospital elements must be clearly understood by the various groups involved in the effort. E1.9 Constructed Water Features 1k Constructed Water Features Small fountain at the garden courtyard east of southern entry to Center Building Status Treatment X W2 Degraded Repair The only surviving constructed water feature at St. Elizabeths Hospital is the small fountain in the garden courtyard east of the southern entry to the Center Building. Although the exact date of the fountain remains unknown, based on its construction and materials, the feature likely dates to the period of significance and therefore is a contributing landscape feature. The fountain, like other features in the formal garden, is in need of stabilization and repair. The concrete lining on the pool is cracked and the brick coping around the edge shows evidence of damage. The VIII.19

20 condition of the water system for the three-tiered fountain is unknown. The pool would form a central role in the rehabilitation of the formal garden. E1.10 Small-scale Features, Furnishings and Objects Status Treatment Small-scale Features, Furnishings and Objects 1k Concrete birdbath or fountain in east side of the X F5 Degraded Repair courtyard at the south façade of Center Building 1k Concrete birdbath in west side of the courtyard at the X F6 Degraded Repair south façade of Center Building 1p Bird bath or fountain east of rear entry to Hagan Hall X F8 Degraded Repair 3l Concrete and stone planter and birdbath in the sunken X F14 Present Retain garden at the Greenhouse Complex 5i Civil War Cemetery, 200 exposed headstones arranged in 22 rows X F15 Degraded Repair The few remaining small-scale features and furnishings of the West Campus landscape contribute to the character of the hospital and should be preserved. The four historic birdbaths or water fountains reveal a range of damage that threatens continual degradation. These furnishings should be stabilized to prevent further damage and repaired to enhance historic character. The treatment can be taken one step farther through the reconstruction or rehabilitation of the individual features. This is possible if historical photographs or other documentation are located to indicate the original appearance and condition. The Civil War Cemetery headstones form another group of highly significant site objects that should be assessed and repaired upon the recommendations of a stone conservation specialist (see Figure VIII.2). E1.11 Archaeological Sites Status Treatment Archaeological Sites 1g Prehistoric potential at the Golden Raintree Drive X A1 Retained Retain Point: evidence includes a cluster of prehistoric artifacts including shaped stones 3f, 3j 19th-century hospital-era potential in orchard: Surface X A2 Degraded Retain remnants include the foundation footprint of an early 20th century building, fence posts, American holly (Ilex opaca) orchard rows, and historic road beds 4r, 4s 20th-century hospital-era potential at Power House X A3 Retained Retain ravine dump: Artifacts include utilitarian china, among other artifacts from the first half of the 20th century 5i Civil War era potential at the Civil War Cemetery: surface and subsurface Civil War era materials, metal crosses inside and outside of fence X A4 Modified Retain VIII.20

21 The four known locations of archeological potential should be protected from adverse impact. The sites are features of the cultural landscape and sources of information about the various historical phases of the West Campus. More intensive archaeological studies of the Point on Golden Raintree Drive, the ruins in the former orchard, the Power House ravine dump, and the Civil War Cemetery would verify the historical value of these sites. F. RECAPTURING HISTORIC LANDSCAPE CHARACTER Historic landscape character can be recaptured and enhanced through the overall Preservation and Rehabilitation treatment of the West Campus. In the process of creating new functionalities at the hospital, landscape interventions can strengthen existing historic character by renovating degraded landscape features and in some cases by replacing missing elements. This is particularly relevant to areas and features that have been significantly impacted since the early 1940s. Although typically beyond the scope of a Rehabilitation treatment, missing or severely degraded landscape features may merit restoration or reconstruction if sufficient information is available. This approach may also be taken if a lost element is important for strengthening the larger, overall character of the campus. Similar to the restoration of a particular landscape element, aspects of historical design can be recaptured by conducting landscape interventions using the styles, patterns, and other character defining expressions of the hospital landscape during the period of significance. The following approaches can be applied to degraded or missing historic landscape features of St. Elizabeths Hospital: Recapture Character where Lost or Degraded Restore the Feature where Missing This section enumerates specific missing or degraded landscape features of the West Campus and describes opportunities to recapture character with landscape interventions. Landscape contributing features that should be rehabilitated to recapture historic character are included on Plan VIII.2: Campus Landscape Treatment Plan Rehabilitation at a scale of 1 = 300. F1.1 Natural Systems and Features Natural systems and features should be protected in the process of recapturing historic landscape character. VIII.21

22 F1.2 Land Uses and Cultural Traditions Land Uses and Cultural Traditions Status Treatment All Landscape maintenance activity X L1 Modified Recapture All Therapeutic use of the hospital landscape X L3 Modified Recapture The vital interaction that people have with the St. Elizabeths Hospital landscape is embodied by land use on the campus. Landscape maintenance activities and the therapeutic use of the hospital grounds are now highly altered from their status prior to and during the early 1940s. These historic land uses can be recaptured and revitalized through new interventions on the West Campus. The establishment of a landscape maintenance program would supply a dedicated group of professionals to steward the hospital grounds. Maintenance would include items such as assessing and repairing sidewalks and walls, tending the ornamental trees and lawn areas of Units 1 and 2, managing meadow and woodlands, suppressing invasive species, and planning for future initiatives. An engaged landscape maintenance program would also encourage the recapture of the therapeutic use of the hospital grounds. The overall rehabilitation of the West Campus should recapture the intended benefit of the landscape to promote the mental health and personal restoration of future visitors and occupants. Plans for future use of the entire campus should integrate this fundamental concept and rejuvenate the character of land use from the period of significance. F1.3 Spatial Organization and Land Patterns Spatial organization and land patterns should be protected in the process of recapturing historic landscape character. F1.4 Views and Visual Relationships 1j, 1n, 1o 1j, 1k, 1l Status Treatment Views and Visual Relationships Episodic views and vistas from high ground of Unit X V3 Modified Rehabilitate 1 to rivers and Monumental Core Visual zone north of Center Building: Lawn with trees shaped by the system of drives and framed by building mass 1k, 1o Visual zone south of Center Building: Lawn with trees shaped by the system of drives and framed by building mass 2t, 2x Visual zone at central lawn west of Administration Building: Lawn and trees framed by Buildings A, B, C and M X V5 Degraded Repair X V6 Degraded Repair X V10 Degraded Repair VIII.22

23 F1.5 Topography and Drainage Topography and drainage should be protected in the process of recapturing historic landscape character. F1.6 Vegetation Status Treatment Vegetation 1 2 Trees in an arboretum style planting over turf X T1 Degraded Recapture (approximately 312 historic trees remain today) 1l Holly trees east of Staff Residence No.3 and west of Gatehouse No. 1 X T2 Degraded Recapture 1k, 1j, 3l Specimen tree plantings north and northwest of Center Building (Southern magnolia, American holly, cedar, beech, maple, American elm, and English elm) 1k, 1o Specimen tree plantings at south/southeast lawn of Center Building (Southern Magnolia, American Holly, Willow Oak, Silver Maple, Bald Cypress. Pine and Gingko no longer remain) 1n, 1o Shade trees near location of former West Lodge (White oak. Willow oak no longer remains) 1l, 1p Lawn plantings east/southeast of Allison Complex (Southern Magnolia, Horse Chestnut, Linden, Hickory, Willow Oak, and Ash) 1g Shade trees at Promontory lookout (Willow oak, pin oak, honey locust) X T3 Retained Recapture X T4 Degraded Recapture X T6 Degraded Recapture X T9 Degraded Recapture X T10 Degraded Recapture 1l Allée along drive from Gatehouse No. 1 to Burroughs T11 Removed Restore Cottage 1 2 Ornamental shrub layer of campus vegetation T13 Removed Recapture 1k Shrubs north of Pine Building toward Loop Road X T14 Degraded Recapture 2t, 2x Tree plantings at entrances to A, B, C Buildings T16 Removed Recapture (flowering dogwood, weeping cherry, mulberry, wisteria vines) 2t, 2x Flower beds at Buildings A, B, C, M, and Q T20 Removed Recapture 3l 3g, 3h, 3l Flowers beds north of main loop road near Burroughs T21 Removed Recapture Cottage Horticulture and food crops near greenhouses X T23 Degraded Recapture VIII.23

24 Replanting missing or degraded aspects of historic vegetation on the West Campus will help recapture the historic character of the cultural landscape. The upland plateau of the campus contains far fewer trees, shrubs, and ornamental perennial plantings than during the period of significance. In a rehabilitation approach it is not necessary to replant missing trees exactly in the location where they once existed; however, it is important that replanting efforts respond to the historic planting principles and style. In Units 1 and 2 and parts of Unit 3, this approach would replace and plant trees in an arboretum style over turf including species that are now underrepresented on the campus such as the elm and chestnut families. Disease resistant varieties of American elm (Ulmus americana) and blight resistant chestnut hybrids (Castanea hybrid) are now available in the nursery trade. Replanting with a range of currently underrepresented trees would help recapture and enhance the character of the hospital and other landscape features such as land use, spatial organization, views and visual relationships. Specific elements of the historic St. Elizabeth Hospital vegetation are largely absent from the contemporary landscape and could be recaptured in a rehabilitation treatment. Restoration of the former allée along Cedar Drive from Gatehouse No. 1 to Burroughs Cottage would enhance the historic entry experience and other movements toward the north entrance to the Center Building. The placement of various shade trees at even intervals along the road is apparent in historical photographs. Planting designs with trees such as the former American holly (Illex opaca) circle between Staff Residence No.3 and Gatehouse No. 1. The purposeful arrangement is no longer apparent and could be strengthened with new plants in a circular pattern. Other now absent components of the historic landscape are ornamental shrubs, flower beds, and horticultural crops. Little evidence remains of the decorative shrub and flower layer on the West Campus. Historic imagery shows shrubs planted along walks, at path intersections, in front of buildings, and near landscape structures. The flower beds placed near buildings and along some of the walks during the period of significance are also absent. Landscape treatment can recapture the style of ornamental plantings with shrubs and flower beds. Horticultural crops have similarly disappeared from the landscape. The opportunity exists to reuse and enhance the former community garden north of the Greenhouse Complex to recapture the horticultural character of that location during the period of significance. F1.7 Circulation Circulation 1 2 Graceful and sweeping pedestrian circulation pattern 1 2 Narrow radii historic drop-off loops at building entrances 3j, 5i Unpaved agricultural road between Cemetery and 5m, 5q, 5r, 4r Sweetgum Lane Unpaved carriage trail at southwestern property line Status Treatment X C1 Modified Restore X C12 Degraded Restore X C25 Degraded Recapture X C27 Degraded Recapture VIII.24

25 In certain places on the West Campus historic character can be reinforced by recapturing and restoring missing aspects of circulation. While the majority of the pedestrian circulation system is intact, path segments have been lost and could be restored. For example, the replacement of a missing path in the lawn between the north entrance of the Center Building and the road to the Staff Residence No. 1 would fulfill contemporary needs while restoring historic character. Replacement of the narrow radii drop off loops at the front of particular buildings would also help recapture historic character. The traditional style of drop off is represented by B and C Building loops in Unit 2. This feature is removed from the entrance of the Allison Buildings and has potential to be restored. The original paving of the drop off is still visible in the small parking lot that now surrounds the former entryway. Degraded road traces in wooded sections of the campus may benefit from a different strategy of preservation treatment. Historic alignments are evidence of the pleasure walks and agricultural road and can be recaptured today by maintaining them as pathways. F1.8 Landscape Structures 1o Landscape Structures Iron pipe Railing East of Bakery/General Kitchen, along path from Center Building Status Treatment X S5 Degraded Recapture 1o Brick foundation at site of West Lodge X S7 Modified Recapture 1n, 1o Concrete Retaining Wall at site of former West Lodge X S8 Retained Recapture 1n 1k 2s 5r Concrete stairway at loading dock in vicinity of West Lodge site Iron bollard at junction of former carriage trail and turnaround at northern Center Building entrance Brick and iron rail retaining wall at site of Toner Building Brick perimeter segment wall along SW property edge X S9 Degraded Recapture X S13 Retained Recapture X S17 Degraded Recapture X S24 Degraded Recapture Treatment of landscape structures such as architectural elements, railing section, wall segments, and bollards presents opportunities for enhancing historic character at the hospital. Architectural remnants from demolished buildings are present in various places in the landscape. Incorporation of these vestigial elements into new interventions on the site would illustrate the layers of history at St. Elizabeths Hospital. An option for the largely degraded pipe railing extending south along the Center Building is to recapture the concept of the pipe and use the remnant historic railing as a model for replicating the feature. A portion of a brick boundary wall exists in degraded condition along the southwest perimeter of the hospital. The design and brick bond of the wall could be incorporated into future plans for reestablishing a perimeter wall in this location. Similarly, the one remaining road bollard can be employed as a functional design precedent for use throughout the campus. A replica of the historic bollard could be deployed on the campus to restricting entry to certain areas. Recapturing these structures through a Preservation and VIII.25

26 Rehabilitation strategy would form one component of the attempt to support and enhance historic character of the campus. F1.9 Constructed Water Features 1o 1p Constructed Water Features Circular concrete lined pond south of Center Building Small fountain in the Relief and Dining Hall courtyard Status Treatment W1 Removed Recapture W3 Removed Recapture The historic character of the West Campus can be enhanced by recapturing historic water features. The locations of the former pond south of the Center Building and the former small fountain in the Relief and Dining Hall Courtyard could be reclaimed for their historic use if additional water features were desired in the overall rehabilitation of the hospital. No known remnant of the pond or fountain exists today. Reclaiming the original locations of these features for historic reuse would assist in the recapturing the cultural landscape character from the period of significance. F1.10 Small-scale Features, Furnishings and Objects 1k 1k 1k Small-scale Features, Furnishings and Objects Concrete birdbath or fountain in east side of the courtyard at the south façade of Center Building Concrete birdbath in west side of the courtyard at the south façade of Center Building Lamp bases flanking the southern entrance to the Center Building Status Treatment X F5 Degraded Recapture X F6 Degraded Recapture X F7 Degraded Recapture 1p Bird bath or fountain east of rear entry to Hagan Hall X F8 Degraded Recapture 1 2 Historic lamps: acorn luminaires on concrete posts F9 Removed Recapture 1 2 Historic fire hydrants X F10 Degraded Recapture Wood slat and metal strap benches X F11 Degraded Recapture 2t, 2x Wood slat benches with concrete legs X F12 Degraded Recapture Extant small-scale features, site furnishings, and objects can set a precedent for rehabilitation efforts. Severely degraded sculptural features such as the drinking fountains or birdbaths may not possess high material integrity, yet are significant markers of the period of significance for their integrity of setting, design, and other aspects of integrity. Even if preservation treatment calls for the removal of a site element for protection, the element can serve as a model for new features that replicate it in form and function. The fractured birdbath pedestal in the west side of the Center Building courtyard, for example, could inspire a replacement feature that serves the VIII.26

27 original purpose in the same location. Campus utilities such as historic lamps and fire hydrants can serve as precedents and templates for the selection of new utilities. If new site elements are to be installed, historic features can offer insight into ways to recapture historic character through direct observation of their remnant form or archival photographs. Benches at St. Elizabeths Hospital provide clear direction in ways to reestablish site functionality and strengthen historic character. Fragments of two types of benches are found on the West Campus. Green painted wood slat and metal strap settees are scattered throughout the campus (see Figure VIII.8), and heavier wood slat benches with concrete legs are found near building entrances in Unit 2. The more intact examples of these benches could be replicated for use on the campus. In the City of Pittsburgh, for example, Heritage Landscapes used archival photographs to draft construction drawings of a historic bench. Figure VIII.9 shows the bench replica installed by Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy with the construction drawings and historic photographs. F1.11 Archaeological Sites Archaeological sites should be protected in the process of recapturing historic landscape character. G. CRAFTING SITE FUNCTIONALITIES THAT RESPECT HISTORIC LANDSCAPE CHARACTER An important goal in a Preservation and Restoration approach to the St. Elizabeths Hospital landscape is the accommodation of campus uses that may or may not have historical precedent. Implementing appropriate physical landscape change and creating functionalities on the West Campus must be undertaken in the context of preservation and stewardship. Adaptive reuse and landscape rehabilitation can be carried out such that historic character is embraced rather than degraded by new interventions. New site elements whether contemporary or traditional in appearance should conform to the historic character of the campus. The following approach can draw from the historic features of the hospital to enhance the character of the cultural landscape: Renew Landscape Character with Development This section provides guidelines for renewing the West Campus landscape through physical interventions that harmonize with the historic fabric of the hospital. Landscape contributing features that should be renewed are included on Plan VIII.3: Campus Landscape Treatment Plan Renewal at a scale of 1 = 300. G2.1 Natural Systems and Features Natural systems and features should be protected with the development of new campus functionalities. VIII.27

28 G2.2 Land Uses and Cultural Traditions Land Uses and Cultural Traditions Status Treatment 4 Service and support land uses X L5 Modified Renew 5 Service and support land uses L6 Removed Renew Land uses related to the service and support of core campus activities will be reestablished within the context of any future mission for St. Elizabeths Hospital. Modern technology changes the physical requirements for service and support functions of a large campus; however, new facilities and activities can take place in the location of previous land uses and integrate many of the same features. Remains of the power generation, storage, delivery, and transportation functions of the campus are primarily contained within Units 4 and 5. Compared to other units of the campus, these areas contain fewer features that contribute to the historic character of the landscape, are less visible from other areas inside and outside of the campus, and appear to be more suitable for adaptation to contemporary uses. In addition, the Storage and Warehouse Building in Unit 5 postdates the period of significance and presents an opportunity to renew the area for future site requirements. This intervention could also reduce impacts that the existing building has on the integrity of the adjacent Civil War Cemetery. G2.3 Spatial Organization and Land Patterns Status Treatment Spatial Organization and Land Patterns 4 Unit 4: Service Landscape and Ravine around Power House and Service Buildings X O13 Expanded Renew 5 Unit 5: Civil War Cemetery and West Slope X O14 Modified Renew Spatial organization and land patterns are large scale dimensions of historic character at St Elizabeths Hospital. Redevelopment of the campus under the framework of a Rehabilitation treatment would align new elements to the scale and character of surrounding historic features. The principles of context sensitive design are valid throughout the West Campus, but Units 4 and 5 in particular offer expanded possibilities in some locations because of issues like the level of disturbance since the early 1940s, the presence of features added since the early 1940s, and physical and visual remoteness compared to other parts of campus. Apart from the older undisturbed patches, the character-defining woodlands that cover much of these units may accommodate new uses that remain within the scale and character of the woodlands. This approach would minimize alteration of other landscape features including views to and from the hospital. VIII.28

29 G2.4 Views and Visual Relationships Views and Visual Relationships Status Treatment 3, 5 Views across wooded areas X V15 Expanded Renew 3, 5 Views from points across the river to the X V16 Expanded Renew Topographic Bowl of the wooded Anacostia River bank and St. Elizabeths Hospital 4 Internal views of service and industrial landscape X V18 Retained Renew Historic views and visual relationships, similar to aspects of campus spatial organization, can be renewed through landscape interventions. The West Campus possesses visual design characteristics including building setbacks, enframement of interior spatial zones, and massing of architecture and vegetation. These aspects vary across each landscape unit and provide a guide for the determining the suitable character of new interventions in the hospital landscape. Specific views on the West Campus may be more resilient to intensive redevelopment action than other views and viewsheds. Views within the service and industrial landscapes of Unit 4 are short and confined due to arrangement of structures and density of interweaving tree stands. Because of these characteristics, alterations of visual qualities this area may have limited impacts on the visual character of the larger spatial unit and views elsewhere on campus. This situation differs from the open views in the upland portion of the hospital landscape. Impacts to views from the high ground of the campus across the wooded slopes of Units 3 and 5 could be minimized with development that blends with the character and scale of the woodlands. Such and approach would similarly reduce impacts to the views toward St. Elizabeths Hospital and the Topographic Bowl of the riverbank from points across the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers. Heritage Landscapes finds that in deciduous woodlands, an uninterrupted buffer of 200 feet provides adequate year-round screening for structures. G2.5 Topography and Drainage Status Treatment Topography and Drainage Slopes and ravines separating the historic designed X D2 Degraded Renew campus from related service and agricultural landscapes 2w, 2x Ravine north of Q Building D3 Removed Renew 3h, 3l Ravine north between the Burroughs Cottage and the Greenhouse Complex D7 Removed Renew The slopes and ravines falling away from the core of the West Campus represent some of the most pronounced examples of topographic change at the hospital since the period of significance. VIII.29

30 Two locations entirely filled and leveled today are the former ravine north of Q Building in the southwest of the campus and the former ravine between Burroughs Cottage and the Greenhouse Complex in the northeast of the property. Excavation and renewal of these formerly wooded valleys would entail temporary site disturbance but offers the potential to locate contemporary functionalities without compromising the historic character of the remainder of the campus. G2.6 Vegetation 2w, 5w, 2s, 4s, 4r, 4o, 4n, 5i, 5j, 3f, 3g, 3k, 3j Vegetation Woodland along west slopes toward Anacostia River, along northwest, west, and southwest property boundaries (Oak, beech, maple, elm species) Status X T24 Expanded Regenerat ed Treatment Renew Sections of woodland present opportunities for landscape renewal while incorporating contemporary uses. As noted in previous sections, preservation treatment of the vegetation at St. Elizabeths Hospital is an effort largely focused on the conservation of existing arboretum-like collection of trees in the upland plateau and the rehabilitation of historic character of the overall tree collection, shrubs, flowers, and high quality woodlands throughout the campus. While a small number of older and high-quality woodland patches remain, the majority of woodland cover is of marginal quality and the result of regeneration from site disturbance. The appearance of vegetation and low-intensity land use on the hillsides is an important character defining feature of the hospital landscape; however, new campus functionalities could be designed to blend with surrounding woodland without necessarily compromising contributing features. Renewal of the woodlands would also be advised to include a strong vegetation management program to improve the health of natural communities on West Campus. G2.7 Circulation Circulation 1 2 Graceful and sweeping pedestrian circulation pattern VIII.30 Status Treatment X C1 Modified Renew Parking areas along buildings C14 Expanded Renew Single-track railroad spur route to N property line C29 Removed Renew Any new circulation features developed in conjunction with other new elements of campus rehabilitation should embody the character of historic circulation elements on the campus. Paths crossing through open spaces are usually curvilinear and conform to the topography of the landscape. Alignments of historic paths also show responsiveness to vegetation and in several

31 locations sidewalks bend around the roots of large trees (see Figure VIII.3). Paths leading directly to entrances of buildings are usually run in straight lines. Several parking lots built after the period of significance are located along the front facades of buildings. This is not a historic design application and should not be replicated in future planning for the hospital landscape. Parking lots should remain visually subordinate as they were during the period of significance. Surface parking should not be placed within the primary visual zones specified in the analysis chapter. Some remnant historic features provide direction for future use. The route of the singletrack railroad line in the north of the property presents another opportunity for historic landscape renewal. If future plans require a transportation line at the north end of the property, the alignment of the railroad can be adapted to present needs. Incorporating the alignment of the railroad spur as a new circulation feature would aid in the legibility of the historic landscape and facilitate movement of new users around the site. G2.8 Landscape Structures 1o Status Treatment Landscape Structures Iron pipe Railing East of Bakery/General Kitchen, X S5 Degraded Renew along path from Center Building Historical precedent should be reviewed for design and placement of new landscape structures. Landscape buildings, walls, fences, and railings can draw from the numerous examples of extant landscape structures on the West Campus. Largely degraded and missing features such as the pipe railing near the Center Building can be incorporated into plans for the rehabilitation of the spatial zone north of the building. Historic integrity is sustained when the placement of new landscape structures involves sensitivity to setting. The contemporary precedent set by the installation of electrical utility boxes in the middle of the only ornamental garden on the West Campus should not be repeated (see Figure VIII.10). A Rehabilitation approach to the situation recommends the removal of such structures from the courtyard of the Center Building if accommodating work is already planned for the area. G2.9 Constructed Water Features The remaining constructed water feature should be protected with the development of new campus functionalities. G2.10 Small-scale Features, Furnishings and Objects Status Treatment Small-scale Features, Furnishings and Objects 1 2 Historic lamps: acorn luminaires on concrete posts F9 Removed Renew 1 2 Historic fire hydrants X F10 Degraded Renew VIII.31

32 The rehabilitation and renewal of the St. Elizabeths Hospital cultural landscape will require fully functional furnishings and other small scale landscape features such as lighting and fire utilities. New furnishings inspired by traditional styles may be more appropriate on the West Campus than objects displaying contemporary design because of the historic integrity and visibility of the overall cultural landscape. Replica furnishings, explained in a previous section, can accomplish this task; however, it may be appropriate to select a modern feature that is in the tradition of the historic feature. Heritage Landscapes observed historic lighting features in Valley Forge National Historic Park in Pennsylvania for the selection of a contemporary parallel design (see Figures VIII.11 and VIII.12). The exact details of the new light fixture differ from historic lamp but the scale and form of the modern light conveys a similar sense of historic character to the campus. At St. Elizabeths Hospital, the historic lights have been replaced with lighting features that are out of scale and character for the West Campus. In the course of rehabilitating the campus, selection of traditional-styled lamp posts and luminaires could enhance historic character by installing lighting similar to the historic acorn shaped lamps (see Figure VIII.13 and 14). G2.11 Archaeological Sites Archaeological sites should be protected during the development of new campus functionalities. H. LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION TREATMENT GUIDELINES SUMMARY The cultural landscape treatment approach of Preservation and Rehabilitation at St. Elizabeths Hospital seeks to respect and preserve the remaining historic character and features of the campus cultural landscape while accommodating future uses in ways that respect and enhance historic significance and character of the campus. Rehabilitation serves as a philosophy to guide decision-making about future physical interventions and management of the West Campus. While interventions proceed, stewardship responsibility is required to safeguard and conserve remaining historic character and intact material fabric. Simultaneously, contemporary needs and resource limitations are to be accommodated in a sustainable manner for preservation of the campus. A Preservation and Rehabilitation treatment demonstrates an essential respect for the highly significant hospital landscape while current needs and future vision are appropriately incorporated. Guidelines for the preservation treatment of the West Campus landscape draw on historic design ideas for providing direction on the appropriate action for historic features with high integrity, for missing or severely degraded features, and for the new, contemporary features in the historic hospital setting. Seven aspects of Frederick Law Olmsted s design philosophy, as compiled by Charles E. Beveridge, are applied to the reactivation of St. Elizabeths Hospital. The landscape design principles consist of: Scenery Suitability Style VIII.32

33 Subordination Separation Sanitation Service The guidelines continue with a discussion of how to preserve, rehabilitate and renew characterdefining features of the hospital landscape. Three approaches to the revitalization of the historic landscape include recommendations for specific features. Landscape features that contribute to the character of the hospital are listed in each section as appropriate to the condition of the feature and the appropriate type of landscape treatment. For the preservation of historic landscape character-defining features, general recommendations are to: Retain and Stabilize when Intact Repair when Degraded Rehabilitate when Modified For recapturing historic landscape character, overall suggestions are to: Recapture Character where Lost or Degraded Restore the Feature where Missing And for crafting new site functionalities that respect historic landscape character, preservation advice is to: Renew Landscape Character with Harmonious Development The guidelines for Preservation and Rehabilitation of the St. Elizabeths Hospital landscape are based on in-depth historical research, assessment of existing conditions, and analysis of the historical significance and integrity of the cultural landscape. The recommendations and observations expressed by the guidelines can be used to direct efforts toward the effective stewardship of this remarkable historic property. VIII.33

34 CHAPTER VIII: ENDNOTES 1 Charles A. Birnbaum, with Christine Capella Peters, Secretary of the Interior s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for the Treatment of Cultural Landscapes, (Washington DC, 1996); Robert R. Page, Cathy A. Gilbert, and Susan A. Dolan, A Guide to Cultural Landscape Reports: Contents, Process, and Techniques, U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service, Cultural Resource Stewardship and Partnerships, Park Historic Structures and Cultural Landscapes Program (Washington DC, 1998). 2 Birnbaum with Capella Peters, Guidelines for the Treatment of Cultural Landscapes, (Washington DC, 1996): Birnbaum with Capella Peters, Guidelines for the Treatment of Cultural Landscapes, (Washington DC, 1996): Birnbaum with Capella Peters, Guidelines for the Treatment of Cultural Landscapes, (Washington DC, 1996): Birnbaum with Capella Peters, Guidelines for the Treatment of Cultural Landscapes, (Washington DC, 1996): Charles E. Beveridge, Toward a Definition of Olmstedian Principles of Design [alt. The Seven S s ], January 1986, found 4 June at National Association for Olmsted Parks, 7 Charles E. Beveridge, Toward a Definition of Olmstedian Principles of Design. 8 Charles E. Beveridge, Toward a Definition of Olmstedian Principles of Design. 9 Charles E. Beveridge, Toward a Definition of Olmstedian Principles of Design. 10 Charles E. Beveridge, Toward a Definition of Olmstedian Principles of Design. 11 Charles E. Beveridge, Toward a Definition of Olmstedian Principles of Design. 12 Charles E. Beveridge, Toward a Definition of Olmstedian Principles of Design. 13 Charles E. Beveridge, Toward a Definition of Olmstedian Principles of Design. VIII.34

35 Figure VIII.1: This December 2004 image depicts the level turf and tree collections of the central lawn in Unit 2, which are contributing spaces and features to preserve. (CL-HL-Unit-2-corelandscape-0074.jpg) VIII.35

36 Figure VIII.2: The slopes of the Civil War cemetery, with spring ephemerals in bloom in this April 2005 view, are relatively open with screened views downslope and to the west. This landscape is a defined space with contributing features to preserve. (CL-HL-Cemetery-slopemarkers gdv.jpg) VIII.36

37 Figure VIII.3: This December 2004 image reveals a portion of the collection of grand trees at St. Elizabeths. The collection is a contributing feature to the history and character of the property. This century-plus old beech tree is an example of former sensitivity in sidewalk construction around the tree trunk and roots. (CL-HL-Historic-Beech-Tree jpg) VIII.37

38 Figure VIII.4: Significant soil disturbance, tree root loss and damage to paving was the unanticipated result of this utility trenching project in January. Careful planning, relining of older pipes, and selected areas of directional boring can minimize damage during utility construction. (CL-GSA _DSCN1538.jpg) VIII.38

39 Figure VIII.5: This December 2004 image depicts a portion of the historic perimeter wall along Martin Luther King Avenue, serving as an example of historic workmanship and materials. (CL- HL-Perimeter-Wall-Brick-Stone-0095.jpg) VIII.39

40 Figure VIII.6: Left image taken in December 2004 is a small courtyard at the Center Building with a turn of the century woven wire fence detail with one portion standing and the other damaged in recent work on site. Stabilization and construction activities at St. Elizabeths should be specified and supervised to limit impacts to landscape features. (CL-HL-2004_12_15-16_101_0137copy.jpg) Figure VIII.7: Right image, also taken in December 2004 records the removal of a simple historic pipe rail fence presumably to afford machinery access to the building. Contributing landscape features are identified in this report and previous documents and as construction proceeds, protection measures should be enforced. (CL-HL-2004_12_15-16_101_0139.jpg) VIII.40

41 Figure VIII.8: December 2004 photograph of a deteriorated historic wood slat and strap iron bench in the St. Elizabeths landscape. (CL-HL_HistoricBench-0167.jpg) Figure VIII.9: Example of a replica wood slat and strap iron bench specified for a project and fabricated to match historic benches. Use of replica furnishings is one way to bolster landscape integrity. (CL-HL-Example-PPC-replica-park-bench.jpg) VIII.41

42 Figure VIII.10: An April 2005 image shows the historic fountain courtyard at the center building, which was the object of a recent utility upgrade. The placement of two large utility boxes on center directly behind the fountain is visually intrusive. Careful planning of utility box locations and use of the smallest possible box sizes should be given attention as the campus is brought to full use. (CL-HL-Fountain-Court-Utility-Boxes gdv.jpg) VIII.42

43 Figure VIII.11: A January 2006 image show an historic Light fixture used on the 1912 train platform at Valley Forge and referenced by Heritage Landscapes in selecting a modern fixture of similar scale. Note also the simple pipe double rail fence at the platform edge that is very similar to the pipe rail fences at St. Elizabeths. (CL-HL-Historic-Light-GWHQ_Jan jpg) VIII.43

44 Figure VIII.12: Contemporary post light with appropriate profile and scale to use for a replacement fixture in a rehabilitation project at Valley Forge. (CL-HL-VAFO-Example-Light- EM17-cutsheet.jpg) VIII.44

45 Figure VIII.13: Left image is detail sheet for a contemporary fixture with partial cut-off shielding adapted for Pittsburgh Parks by manufacturer. (CL-HL-Example-PPC-SpringCityLight-partialcutoff.jpg) Figure VIII.14: Right image is photograph of a light fixture with a cast base on the grounds of St. Elizabeths as an example of one historic type used. (CL-Center-DC0066SE0P034.jpg) VIII.45