Plan on Monument Area Face Lift Gains

The National Capital Planning Commission on Thursday approved a National Park Service proposal to give the Washington Monument grounds one of the most extensive face lifts in its 105-year history.

Under the plan, the long lines of tourists that often snake around the monument would be eliminated. Instead, visitors would begin their tour at a staging area near the Sylvan Theatre, southeast of the monument, and be taken in groups to the towering structure.

The plan still faces some obstacles, including approval by another agency and funding. Officials said it is aimed at improving the aesthetics of the monument.