Letter
Dear Ms. Mitten:
In the meeting of 20 April, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed the concept for the proposed rehabilitation and additions to Eastern Market located at 225 7th Street, SE. The Commission supports the intention to modify the building to improve accessibility and requested that alternatives be investigated to provide accessibility to this landmark facility. In addition to considering the west side of the building for a barrier-free entrance, the Commission members suggested the possibility of regrading the sidewalk along 7th Street to improve accessibility without creating more obstructions on the sidewalk.
With regard to other aspects of the project, the Commission members expressed their support for the replacement of the glazing in the historic windows but suggested that the skylight addition should be eliminated. They suggested a change in programming of the second floor in order to eliminate the need for an additional egress stair. Finally, they recommended that the proposed screening wall be reduced in size or eliminated by keeping the dumpsters unenclosed and by locating the mechanical systems in a below-grade vault or on adjacent city property.
Please submit the project for a revised concept review when ready. If you have any questions, the staff is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
Thomas Luebke, AIA
Secretary
Carol Mitten
District of Columbia Office of Property Management
441 4th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
cc: Aimee Occhetti, DC-OPM
Peter May, DC-OPM
Baird Smith, Quinn Evans Architects