Letter
Dear Mr. Hoskins:
In its meeting of 20 October, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed and approved the concept design for a new mixed–use building proposed by EastBanc and the D.C. Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) to be located at 23rd and L Streets, NW. The Commission commented favorably on the design and offered recommendations for further development.
The Commission members expressed enthusiasm for the inventive transformation of a standard Washington building type; they observed that this new and memorable building form retains the important urban characteristics of defining the street corridor and offering the public amenity of a neighborhood library. They also supported the proposed landscape design of the public space while noting that planted areas located under building overhangs may not thrive. They recommended refinement of the design of the library exterior, suggesting the de–emphasis of supergraphics on the windows to support the clear architectural expression of the entrance. They also recommended attention to issues of building performance, such as the maintenance of the glass and metal skin of the building.
The Commission commended the developer, DMPED, and the D.C. Public Library for their collaboration in supporting this distinctive design and looks forward to review of the next submission for this project. As always, the staff is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Victor Hoskins
Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 317
Washington, DC 20004
cc: Ginnie Cooper, D.C. Public Library
Anthony Lanier, EastBanc
Enrique Norten, TEN Arquitectos