Trump Administration Sued Over Reflecting Pool Paint Job - Washingtonian

"The design intent, to create a reflective surface that is subordinate, is fundamental to the solemn and hallowed visual and spatial connection between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. “A blue-tinted basin is more appropriate to a resort or theme park.”"

"In its complaint, The Cultural Landscape Foundation argues that the original color of the pool's tiling is a fundamental element of its historic character. “The dark grey, achromatic basin was not incidental to the design,” the group, which is represented in this case by the Washington Litigation Group, writes. “It was the design.”"

"The complaint cites the 1999 National Park Service Cultural Landscape Report for the Lincoln Memorial Grounds, which notes that “the dark color of the tile created the illusion of greater depth and a more profound reflection.”"

"Because the Reflecting Pool is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the suit argues, President Trump's administration unlawfully bypassed Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966—which would have required the National Park Service to consult with “various interested parties” (such as nonprofits and expert organizations) for feedback before moving ahead with any redesign."

The Cultural Landscape Foundation, a Washington, DC nonprofit focused on landscape advocacy and education, filed a lawsuit against the Department of the Interior over repainting the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The organization seeks a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction to halt ongoing work to coat the pool’s surface “American Flag Blue” before July 4. The group argues the original dark grey, achromatic basin color is a fundamental element of the pool’s historic character and design. It cites a 1999 National Park Service Cultural Landscape Report stating the dark tile color created an illusion of greater depth and more profound reflection. Because the reflecting pool is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the suit claims Section 106 consultation under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 was unlawfully bypassed before redesign.

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