Lafayette Park
ReNEWING HISTORIC Lafayette Park
To Honor and Elevate this Treasured Space that Dates to American Independence and the Founding of our Nation
Located just beyond the White House gates along Pennsylvania Avenue, this formal park and its legacy date back to Pierre Charles L’Enfant’s original plans for the city and the American Revolution. Today, the park is the place where many visitors first glimpse the White House.
This overlooked greenspace, its canopy of trees, classic formal pathways and signature fountains have fallen into disrepair and need to be restored to befit the park’s history and its prominent location.
Inspired by the celebration of America’s Semiquincentennia and the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026, when 50 million visitors are anticipated to visit Washington, D.C., the Trust’s restoration project will:
Restore the beauty of the Park’s signature fountains
Beautify the park’s garden elements and green spaces
Refurbish seating and bronze sculpture
Create safer and more elegant walkways
Restore light fixtures to ensure a safer, well-lit park space
Provide for the care and maintenance of the park for the future
Lafayette Park will become a more vibrant and welcoming space connecting visitors to the White House, the city of Washington D.C., and the nation, for America’s 250th in 2026…and beyond.
To support the restoration of Lafayette Park, please contact us at: information@nationalmall.org
Lafayette Park’s Historic Significance
Originally named “The President’s Square,” Lafayette Park dates to the earliest days of the Republic, with President Thomas Jefferson an early advocate for improving the grounds.
Noted landscape designer Andrew Jackson Downing developed the park’s picturesque walkways and ovals in 1851, which today still frame the historic statues and garden spaces.
The statue honoring the Marquis de Lafayette, French Revolutionary War hero and champion of American independence for whom the park is named, was added in 1891.
Preservation Efforts Seal Lafayette Park’s Legacy
Today’s Lafayette Park was created through a watershed preservation moment in 1962, when First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy intervened to prevent the removal of historic buildings that frame the Park.
Architect John Carl Warnecke conceptualized Lafayette Square, restoring the extant Madison Place and Jackson Place and adding stately new federal buildings to complement their historic character. Today, Lafayette Square and its impressive structures and facades now elegantly enclose Lafayette Park facing 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
President Theodore Roosevelt’s reviewing stand in Lafayette Square, 1902
First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy and Architect John Carl Warnecke
Learn more about Lafayette Park’s history and its historic statuary:
Lafayette Park’s Current Site Challenges
Signature fountains are out of order and have not flowed for many years. Project will fully restore the beauty of the fountains, replacing mechanical and electrical systems to ensure these features are efficient and sustainable.
Significant wear due to deferred maintenance and heavy foot traffic during the last 6 decades have damaged the historic brick walkways. Project will repair and replace missing bricks and repair damaged areas, improving aesthetics and safety.
Stewardship of the tree canopy has suffered from years of disease, stress, and limited resources. The project will care for existing trees and rejuvenate the historic canopy, comprised of native trees to the region.
Site furnishings and landscape elements are in critical need of repair and replacement. Project will improve seating for the overall visitor’s experience, in addition to restoring landscape elements that have been damaged or removed.
