Letter
Dear Ms. Wright:
In its meeting of 18 July, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a revised concept proposal for the redevelopment of the Old Post Office building, located at 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, for use as the Trump International Hotel. The Commission expressed support for the project and approved the revised concept with the following comments.
In their review, the Commission members endorsed the revised proportions of the ballroom entrance pavilion and made several recommendations for the development of the final design. In particular, they suggested careful attention to the detailing of the glazed facades to ensure that they read as the taut and unified surface proposed in the concept renderings, without interruption by prominent mullions or a differing treatment at the parapet. They also recommended study of the lighting details to ensure an evenly lit nighttime appearance. As the design is developed further, they recommended that the laminated stone and glass material proposed for the ballroom pavilion be studied in a mockup adjacent to the Old Post Office stone.
The Commission members expressed appreciation for the information provided about underground utilities below the plaza to the south of the Old Post Office building and expressed support for the simplified landscape design. They requested that future presentations of the design of this area include eye-level perspectives in order to understand better the experience of the space. Noting that the historic loading dock canopy structure is proposed to be open, they questioned the design of this portal—historically covered with a glass canopy and now to be a major public entry into the building—to be built without weather protection.
The Commission looks forward to review of the next submission, which should include more developed designs for signs, canopies, and associated service elements. As always, the staff is available to assist you with the next submission.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Mina Wright, Director
Office of Planning and Design Quality
U.S. General Services Administration
301 7th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20407–0001
cc: Hany Hassan, Beyer Blinder Belle
David Orowitz, The Trump Organization