The Monumental Core Framework Plan is a joint effort of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission to build upon the superlative assets of Washington, DC to address social, cultural, and ecological needs of the 21st Century. The Framework Plan reimagines federal precincts near the National Mall as a series of destinations interconnected with the Mall, the waterfront, and the surrounding urban fabric; its proposals aim to infuse the civic qualities of the Mall and the vibrancy of the city throughout the monumental core to transform how visitors, workers, and resident experience Washington, DC. While providing specific guidance on creating opportunities for public and private development, the Framework Plan also creates locations for future memorials museums and protects the historic open space of the National Mall; it proposes projects to overcome physical barriers that now discourage connections and supports compact, mixed-use development and the redesign of public spaces and parks to promote a walkable, transit-oriented, and sustainable future. The Framework Plan was formally adopted by the two sponsoring commissions in July 2009.
The Monumental Core Framework Plan is the recipient of the Downtown Business Improvement District's 2009 Momentum Award in the Downtown Partnership/Program category. The Framework Plan was also honored by the American Institute of Architects with its 2010 Institute Honor Award for Regional and Urban Design.