Letter
Dear Mr. Lew:
In its meeting of 19 February, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed the proposed concept for additions to and renovation of the Stoddert Elementary School at 4001 Calvert Street, NW. Although lacking a quorum, the Commission members present recommended approval of the overall site planning and general configuration of the proposed additions but requested the submission of a revised concept for the architectural treatment of the facades.
The Commission members were strongly supportive of the proposed site treatment, which they characterized as sensitive to the neighborhood context. However, they questioned the strong vertical emphasis in the proposed facades of the building additions, commenting that the addition of horizontal elements could provide a more appropriate scale for children while also providing better solar control of the glass skin. They also suggested the inclusion of low-scale landscape elements including benches at the front entrance plaza and recommended careful consideration of the design's overall viability with respect to energy consumption.
The Commission looks forward to reviewing a revised concept addressing these comments prior to the submission of the final design. As there was not a quorum during the review of the project, this recommendation will be placed on the agenda for ratification at the Commission's meeting of 19 March. As always, the staff is available to assist you with the next submission.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, AIA
Secretary
Allen Lew, Executive Director
Office of Public Education Facilities Modernization
2400 East Capitol Street
Washington, DC 20003