NCPC issues concept comments for new NRL biomolecular lab; CFA urged design adjustments

The Department of the Navy presented concept plans for a new P250 biomolecular science and synthetic biology laboratory at the Naval Research Laboratory. NCPC staff recommended comments on site selection, pedestrian connectivity, stormwater and flood resilience, tree replacement locations and the need for a more cohesive facade strategy responsive to the historic NRL campus.

The applicant argued the selected site aligns with the 2014 installation master plan and provides necessary standoff distances and space for the program; the Navy said the work currently occurs in older facilities on campus that lack the necessary environmental controls. The proposed building is four stories with approximately 89,000 square feet and an approximate height near 92 feet. Staff noted removal of 36 trees with 133 replacements proposed across the campus and asked for the specific replacement locations in the next submission.

Commissioners raised questions about architectural character and urged the applicant to consider comments from the Commission of Fine Arts and NCPC’s preference for cohesive material language that respects the historic campus. The Navy said it is actively considering CFA input and would continue to develop design and flood resilience strategies; NCPC approved staff’s concept comments and asked the team to return with renderings that show the building in context and further landscape/flood mitigation details.