Letter
Dear Mr. Albert:
In its meeting of 17 May, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed the concept for the proposed park at Reservation 174, bounded by New York Avenue and 10th and I Streets, NW, currently part of the Old Convention Center site. The Commission members commented that the park would be a handsome and lively addition to downtown Washington, and they approved the design with several recommendations for further study.
The Commission members expressed concern about the ambiguity inherent in the treatment of the I Street right-of-way along the southern edge of the park. The design strives to extend the park's pedestrian character into this area while also suggesting a visual continuity with I Street to the east; and the design discourages vehicular access while incorporating the infrastructure for a potential future change to general vehicular traffic. The members recommended that this ambiguity be resolved in favor of incorporating this area into a unified park design, with the specific recommendation to eliminate the white paving strip that suggests a curb line.
The Commission members recommended further study of the stone seating areas and water scrims around the fountains to clarify the intended pedestrian realm. They also noted the potential for damage from high-impact uses such as skateboarding and emphasized the need for careful design details and material selection.
As always, the staff is available to assist you in future submissions.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, AIA
Secretary
Neil O. Albert
Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 317
Washington, DC 20004
cc: Konrad Schlater, Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
Rodrigo Abela, Gustafson Guthrie Nichol Ltd.