First Look at Congressional Cemetery’s Gate House Renovation

First Look at Congressional Cemetery’s Gate House Renovation

by Larry Janezich

Posted Saturday, February 7, 2026

At ANC6B’s Thursday night meeting of the Planning and Zoning Committee, Mark Hudson, Executive Director of Congressional Cemetery, (bottom, center) introduced Hartman-Cox Architects to present concept designs for the renovation of the cemetery’s gatehouse, garage, kiosk and pergola.  The cemetery’s current vision is to be more community focused with more space for education and community engagement facilities.

Here’s a view of the proposal from the west side of the building.  The existing porch and garage will be removed.  A new  structure on the garage footprint will have restrooms, an interpretive display, a kitchen, and multipurpose space.  The entrance to the new structure will be in the middle.  A terrace in front will will be a launchpad for groups visiting the cemetery.

Here’s a view looking at the south end of the building showing the terrace. 

And the proposed first floor plan.  The second story of the main building will be extended over the one story south end of the original building to create more administrative space on the main building’s second floor.  The current E Street entrance to the building will remain funeral-focused to separate that function of the gatehouse from the more public event space.

Here’s a view of the new kiosk which will be an orientation point for the cemetery and have a fulltime staff member to take check-ins for the local canine group and possibly a gift shop and pamphlets for self-guided tours.  There will also be lockers for docents who do volunteer tours at the site.  The pergola will be a shade structure for the golf cart used to navigate the site and help people with limited mobility. 

Regarding a timeline, Hudson says, “We’re looking at this calendar year for design work and we’re still raising funds which to some extent is driving the process – and then completing construction in 3 to 4 years.”  Hartman-Cox is looking to get concept approval from Historic Preservation this year, but does not anticipate ground breaking in 2026.