Finalists to redesign National Mall sites

The designs will bring the next evolution of the mall, Stastny said, as a place that has changed significantly over the decades through war time and with the addition of new memorials.

Stan Burgess, a retired architect who lives in Washington, walks the length of the mall each day for exercise and visited the Smithsonian on Monday to see the designs for a possible overhaul. The designs seem to "keep the spirit of the place" while adding amenities and environmental awareness, he said. Constitution Gardens in particular could use "some animation," that would come with restaurants, cafes, an ice skating rink or a basin for model boats, he said.

The Washington Monument grounds are in better shape after recent security upgrades by the National Park Service, but a theater space has been neglected for years. There are few restrooms or food options for millions of annual visitors.