30 July 2007

Dear Mr. Brown:

In its meeting of 19 July, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed and approved the concept for the renovation of the H. D. Cooke Elementary School at 2525 17th Street, N.W. The Commission members commented favorably on the relationship of the proposed addition to the existing school and offered several suggestions for the further development of the design. They commented that the design of the outdoor play areas appeared fragmented and recommended that these areas be simplified to provide a more cohesive design and easier maintenance. Regarding the proposed placement of the school's name on the new east facade, they commented that the scale and design of the graphics are not in character with the dignity of the building and suggested further study of this feature.

The Commission members look forward to future submissions for this building and other D.C. public schools. As always, the staff is available to assist you.

Sincerely,

/s/Thomas E. Luebke, AIA
Secretary

Cornell S. Brown, Jr., Executive Director
Office of Facilities Management
District of Columbia Public Schools
Penn Center – 3rd Floor
1709 3rd Street, N.E.
Washington, DC 20002

cc: Paul L. Taylor, Jr., D.C. Public Schools
Michelle J. Chin, D.C. Public Schools
Carl Elefante, Quinn Evans Architects