powerful federal preservationists, potentially derailing the whole thing. we re looking at a way to essentially get the best of both worlds. we want a sustainable, modern transportation system with the street cars, but also looking at ways of protecting important views of places like the white house. why are views important? i think they re iconic, important to the american people. i think it says a lot about the city and how far we ve come. reporter: gabe klein is the district s transportation boss. he s pushing ahead with the plans. higher and better use for this would be a streetcar maintenance facility as it s literally 50 feet from union station. reporter: that s what it will be? that s exactly what it will become. reporter: klein is now floating a compromise, a hybrid streetcar, drawing hybrid power in some spots, but running on battery in others. i think you ve got to balance the need to keep a wide-open vista with the need for transportation options and a cl