Letter
Dear Mr. Lawler:
In its meeting of 15 November, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed revisions to the proposed design for perimeter security on the portions of Lincoln Memorial Circle flanking the memorial's eastern plaza. The Commission approved the bollard design—incorporating the alterations described at the presentation—in the black color.
The Commission appreciates that the National Park Service has omitted the permanent perimeter security treatment for the central portion of the memorial's east side in order to allow for further study of this area. The Commission members supported the National Park Service's willingness to give careful attention to designing a more comprehensive landscape and security design for the memorial's highly visible central axis. They urged the National Park Service to engage the services of the best designers to treat this sensitive area in a way that does not compromise the memorial in its context. While the Commission members appreciated the opportunity to see images of the proposed temporary perimeter security treatment, they reiterated their concern about the stark appearance of these security elements, even if installed only on a temporary basis in this area.
Again, the Commission welcomes the reconsideration of the design for this area and looks forward to reviewing submissions for this work, both temporary and permanent, as soon as possible. As always, the Commission staff is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/
Thomas E. Luebke, AIA
Secretary
Joseph M. Lawler
Regional Director
National Park Service, National Capital Region
1100 Ohio Drive, SW
Washington, DC 20242
cc: John Parsons, National Park Service