29 June 2007

Dear Mr. Rombach:

In its meeting of 21 June, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed the final design for the proposed Asia Trail Phase II at the National Zoological Park, including the rehabilitation of and additions to the Elephant House and the reconfiguration of the elephant habitat.

The Commission members expressed appreciation for the effort of the design team to simplify the facades of the "barn" addition and supported the proposed two-tone scheme of exterior concrete panels. The Commission gave conditional approval for the project and delegated final review of details and construction drawings to the staff.

Sincerely,

/s/Thomas E. Luebke, AIA
Secretary

Harry Rombach
Associate Director for Facilities Master Planning
Smithsonian Institution
P.O. Box 37012, MRC 511
Washington, DC 20013-7012

cc: John Berry, National Zoological Park
Michael Holleman, Vitetta