Letter
Dear Mr. Acosta:
In its meeting of 19 July, the Commission of Fine Arts was pleased to hear an information presentation on the Southwest Ecodistrict Initiative, a planning effort proceeding from the recommendations of the Monumental Core Framework Plan of 2009. The Commission commended the National Capital Planning Commission for its work to improve the neighborhood immediately south of the Mall with a high level of ecological sustainability.
The Commission members commented on the great ambition of the initiative in its vision to transform the urban design and energy performance of this sector of the city as a model for the federal government; they expressed hope that the proposals would be implemented within a reasonable period. Noting the efficiency to be gained by creating a consolidated energy district, they also encouraged the use of renewable sources of energy in addition to the proposed reduction in consumption. They look forward to the development of the elements of this initiative in realizing the great opportunity of linking the National Mall landscape and the Washington Channel waterfront with a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Marcel Acosta, Executive Director
National Capital Planning Commission
401 9th Street, NW, Suite 500-N
Washington, DC 20004
cc: Otto Condon, Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects