Letter
Dear Mr. Lawler:
In the meeting of 19 October, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed the revised concept design for the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial in West Potomac Park. The Commission members agreed that grouping the three large stones closer together and narrowing the entranceway has the effect of strengthening the symbolic relationship of the stones.
The Commission members did not approve the proposed revision to add two water features connecting the inscription walls and the "Mountain of Despair." The Commission requested that the design team continue its study of this critical connection, recommending that several alternatives be developed for their consideration. These alternatives should also include a scheme that completely separates the wall from the Mountain of Despair.
Once again, the Commission members commented on the strength and simplicity of the concept design for the memorial, and they look forward to the continued review of the project. As always, the Commission staff is available should you require further guidance.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas Luebke, AIA
Secretary
Joseph M. Lawler, Regional Director
National Capital Region
National Park Service
1100 Ohio Drive, SW
Washington, DC 20242
cc: John Parsons, NPS
Ed Jackson, Jr., Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project