Letter
Dear Mr. Vogel:
In its meeting of 15 September, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a concept proposal for the rehabilitation of Arlington House and its grounds within the Arlington National Cemetery. The Commission members present recommended approval of the concept design with the following comments.
The Commission members expressed support for the rehabilitation plan, commenting that it would enhance the site’s historic resources and clarify circulation for visitors throughout the property. They suggested several refinements to improve the relationship of the new interventions to the historic setting, such as treating the proposed ramps at the front portico as frankly contemporary in material and design. They also recommended using a third material as an edging piece between the gravel of the existing paths and the bonded aggregate paving proposed for the new paths. Finally, they suggested that the modifications to the comfort station and bookstore should convey the character of a garden structure, perhaps with the trellis and columns supporting climbing vines.
As a quorum was not present for the review of this submission, this recommendation will be placed on the administrative agenda for confirmation at the Commission’s meeting of 20 October. As always, the staff is available to assist you with future submissions.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Robert Vogel, Regional Director
National Park Service, National Capital Region
1100 Ohio Drive, SW
Washington, DC 20242
cc: John Gregg, GWWO, Inc.
Charles Neer, WRT