Letter
Dear Ms. Gillis:
In its meeting of 20 October, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a concept design submission for the replacement of the Edgewood Recreation Center at 301 Franklin Street, NE. Expressing concerns about the unclear documentation of the landscape and architectural design, the Commission members present did not take an action and requested a new concept submission.
The Commission members expressed support for the simplicity and clarity of the recreation center’s plan, and they encouraged further development of the exterior materials. However, they found the landscape plan to be insufficiently documented, and they requested further study of how the building would be set within the site’s topography. They commented that the numerous proposed paths may create a sense of confusion in the landscape, and they recommended careful study to establish more hierarchy and clarity in the design. They also commented that the northeastern part of the site appears to be over-programmed with multiple, discrete recreation features which may overwhelm the space. They suggested that a physical model of the building and site may be helpful in clarifying the design, along with more developed drawings, in plan and section, to illustrate the topography of the site.
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 17 November. As always, the staff is available to assist you with the next submission.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Greer Johnson Gillis, Interim Director
D.C. Department of General Services
2000 14th Street, NW, 8th Floor
Washington, DC 20009
cc: Susan Hickey, Moody Nolan
Joan Honeyman, Jordan Honeyman Landscape Architecture