Letter
Dear Mr. Hanlon:
In its meeting of 18 July, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed and approved a concept design for the proposed replacement building for Brookland Middle School, located at 1150 Michigan Avenue, NE. The Commission complimented the design team for developing a well–ordered plan that accommodates the school's large program on such a constrained site, making several suggestions for the development of the design.
In their discussion, the Commission members expressed concern about the integration and detailing of the building's elevations, recommending that the design be studied in a model to refine the three–dimensional composition of the building's exterior. They recommended further refinement and articulation of the prominent box–like element of the school's main performance space, as well as the school's main entrance and drop–off lane to create an inviting public space. Noting the importance of the intersection of the school's access lane with that of the recreation center's drive, they recommended an enhanced treatment of this area which defines the entrance experience to the school. For the rear of the site, they also recommended that trees be included in the parking lot to soften its impact on the neighboring houses and to provide shade for this large paved area, which could be useable as a civic space when not occupied by cars.
The Commission looks forward to the review of a revised submission that responds to these comments. As always, the staff is available to assist you with the next submission.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Brian Hanlon, Director
D.C. Department of General Services
2000 14th Street, NW, 8th Floor
Washington, DC 20009
cc: Gail Douglass, Hartman Cox Architects