A federal arts commission approved a modified plan Thursday for President Donald Trump’s proposed arch along the Potomac River.
While similar to the original concept, the altered design removes a platform below the arch and tunnel access to the site. At Trump’s request, the plan to build large golden sculptures atop the arch was retained, while the designers selected granite for the surface stone.
One member of the Commission of Fine Arts in April questioned the inclusion of a 60-foot golden statue of Lady Liberty flanked by eagles. But the arch’s designer, Nicolas Charbonneau, told the panel, who were all appointed by the president earlier this year, that Trump had considered but rejected the suggestion.
The 250-foot triumphal arch — which would stand 166 feet tall without the statue — is one of several projects the Trump administration has undertaken to remodel Washington at the president’s personal direction. The projects underway — including renovations in Lafayette Park, a planned “heroes” garden and repairs to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool — have stirred significant debate on Capitol Hill.
