Letter
Dear Ms. Mendelson-Ielmini:
In its meeting of 15 February, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed the revised concept design for Phase II of the Georgetown Waterfront Park, the Wisconsin Avenue Terminus. The Commission was pleased to learn that Phase I, from Wisconsin Avenue to 34th Street, is under construction and should be completed in spring 2008. The Commission endorsed the recommendation of the Old Georgetown Board (enclosed) and provided additional guidance.
The Commission recommended that the scale of the project components should be more carefully considered in relation to the overall design of the park. The pergola should have the character of a simple garden structure rather than the highly technical character of the design that was presented; a lighter color may also be appropriate. The Commission supported the concept of grouping the benches while recommending that their design and siting be simplified to fit with the scale of the park. The parterres and bollards at the top of the stairs should be studied further: bollards should be minimized or eliminated if possible; and additional plantings or benches could be considered.
The Commission requested that your project team continue working with the staff in the development of the design. The Commission looks forward to the review of the final design at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas Luebke, AIA
Secretary
Lisa A. Mendelson-Ielmini, Acting Regional Director
National Park Service, National Capital Region
1100 Ohio Drive, SW
Washington, DC 20242
enc.: recommendation from Old Georgetown Board
cc: John Parsons, NPS
Ignacio Bunster-Ossa, Wallace Roberts & Todd