Letter
Dear Mr. Carlstrom:
During its meeting of 15 July 2004, the Commission reviewed the revised concept design for the Wisconsin Avenue terminus of the proposed Georgetown Waterfront Park. We are glad to see that the elements of the plaza, including the fountain feature, have been simplified. However, the members raised a number of concerns on the design as proposed.
We understand that the planter at the top of the steps is undergoing further refinement. The planter needs to be as low as possible to meet its intended purpose of safeguarding the steps without blocking the view of the river for people seated under the pergola. The connection between the overlook and the steps needs to be studied further as well. At the same time, we recommend you study options for the hand railing at the overlook which, as designed, gives the appearance of being too open and frail for a waterfront. Introducing a curb and masonry piers similar to the wall proposed for the river's edge on the rest of the park may be a solution worth pursuing.
An item the members felt was intrusive and out of place was the boulder-like forms that align at the west end of the fountain and the plaza. The number, placement, scale and reason behind these boulders were all questioned. The boulders may end up blocking visual and physical access to the waterfront. It may be that they can be removed altogether.
With these comments, the concept development was approved. We look forward to the review of the overall park design development at our next meeting which is scheduled for Tuesday, 21 September. As always, the staff is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Frederick J. Lindstrom
Acting Secretary
Terry R. Carlstrom
Regional Director, National Capital Region
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
1100 Ohio Drive, SW
Washington, DC 20242
cc: John Parsons