23 February 2007

Dear Mr. O'Ben:

In its meeting of 15 February, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed the proposed alterations to the office and retail building at 1510 H Street, N.W. and acknowledged the potential for a very elegant building on this narrow mid-block lot. The Commission recommended that the architect examine several elements of the H Street facade that detract from the composition by adding excessive complexity: the balconies, which inappropriately suggest a residential or hotel use; the extensive manipulation of the facade plane; and the awkward relationship to the street created by the angled facade.

The Commission looks forward to reviewing a revised concept that will provide a simple and well-proportioned design for this important location. As always, the staff is available to assist you in future submissions.

Sincerely,

/s/Thomas Luebke, AIA
Secretary

Richard O'Ben
Lafayette Realty, Inc.
650 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Suite 200
Washington, DC 20001

cc: Eric Colbert, Eric Colbert & Associates