Letter
Dear Mr. O’Dell:
In its meeting of 17 November, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a concept design for a new entertainment and sports arena complex on the St. Elizabeths East Campus. The Commission approved the concept, providing the following comments for the development of the design.
The Commission members expressed appreciation for the thorough presentation and commended the design team for the disposition of the innovative program in the massing of the new building. In their support of the overall design, they provided several specific suggestions for its refinement. They recommended completing the form of the arena roof by extending it across the two open corners, perhaps with trellises. They also suggested combining the small Cypress Street entry plaza with the nearby bioretention area to create a larger and more welcoming garden space and entrance experience for employees and athletes. To ensure a consistent appearance for the proposed street trees, they advised close coordination with the developer of the historic buildings across Oak Street. Finally, they requested more documentation of the design, including perspective drawings that depict the proposed complex together with the historic buildings.
The Commission looks forward to reviewing a final design submission for this important civic project at St. Elizabeths East Campus. As always, the staff is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Gregory A. O'Dell, President & CEO
Events DC
801 Mount Vernon Place, NW
Washington, DC 20001
cc: Michael Marshall, Marshall Moya Design