Letter
Dear Mr. Weaver:
In its meeting of 19 November, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a concept design for additions and alterations to the Marie H. Reed Community Learning Center, located at 2200 Champlain Street, NW. The Commission approved the submission with recommendations for the development of the design.
The Commission members commended the project team for what appears to be an appealing and intelligently planned transformation of the building, observing that the existing Brutalist building has significant design integrity and is deserving of the care demonstrated with this project. However, they expressed frustration with the documentation of the design and suggested that future presentations, both to the Commission and to the community, include a physical study model and comparative plans to convey the extent and character of the modifications to the building and site. They requested further study of the relationship between exterior and interior spaces, such as between the terraced landscape along the west facade and the new internal grand stair. They also commented that the planted areas at the school entrance plaza would likely be trampled, recommending that a consistent language of curbs and benches be developed for the site in general.
The Commission looks forward to review of a revised concept submission with additional documentation of the proposed modifications. As always, the staff is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Christopher Weaver, Acting Director
D.C. Department of General Services
2000 14th Street, NW, 8th Floor
Washington, DC 20009
cc: Jeffrey Luker, Quinn Evans Architects
Sharon Bradley, Bradley Site Design