Letter
Dear Ms. Wright:
In its meeting of 21 July, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a concept submission for a new entry and addition at the east end of the historic Center Building, part of the adaptive reuse of the St. Elizabeths West Campus as the headquarters for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The Commission approved the submission with the following comments.
The Commission members complimented the sensitive rehabilitation proposed for Building 8, part of the Center Building complex, and the minimal modernist style of the proposed infill addition. Where alterations are necessary, such as converting window openings to doorways, they encouraged continued study of alternatives to preserve as much of the historic fabric as possible, while acknowledging that the reconstruction of some historic elements will be necessary.
The Commission delegated review of the final design to the staff which, as always, is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Mina Wright, Director
Office of Planning & Design Quality
General Services Administration, National Capital Region
301 7th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20407-0001
cc: Shalom Baranes, Shalom Baranes Associates