Letter
Dear Mr. Anderson:
In its meeting of 19 July, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a revised concept submission for modifications to Stead Park Recreation Center at 1625 P Street, NW, as a development of the approved concept of January 2018. The Commission approved the submission, providing recommendations for further development of the design.
For the proposed enlargement of the recreation center building, the Commission members expressed support for the change of the facade material to glass on the addition immediately to the north of the historic stable building, reducing the addition’s visual impact and clearly differentiating the old and new construction; they recommended careful detailing of these facades, including the treatment of the curtainwall base and solar heat protection within the envelope design. They also supported the use of metal panels for the facades of the western addition, while recommending that the color of these panels not attempt to mimic too closely the historic brick of the stable building. They commented that the separate tower for the emergency egress stair to the northeast would be a prominent design gesture, potentially too dominant on this site; they recommended including some of the necessary vertical descent as part of the connecting bridge, which would allow the height of the tower to be reduced and would result in a more playful composition that relates to the nearby playground equipment.
For the site design, the Commission members emphasized the importance of providing a comfortable environment for users throughout the park. They commented that the formal lawn panel in front of the stable building would likely be attractive for informal recreation; they suggested careful consideration of the placement of trees—whether within the panel or along its sides—and the connection of the tree boxes to provide better growing conditions. They recommended that the sensory garden along the park’s P Street frontage be incorporated into all the planted areas along the street to provide a more unified edge for the park.
The Commission looks forward to further review as the design is refined. As always, the staff is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Keith A. Anderson, Director
D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation
1250 U Street, NW, 2nd Floor
Washington, DC 20009
cc: Outerbridge Horsey, Outerbridge Horsey Associates