Letter
Dear Mr. Hunter:
In its public meeting of 21 March conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a concept design for a new racquet sports facility to be constructed on open parkland south of Oxon Run at Wheeler Road and Valley Avenue, SE, as part of the nearby Southeast Tennis and Learning Center on Mississippi Avenue. The Commission approved the concept design with the following comments.
The Commission members expressed strong support for the expansion of the existing tennis center, whose internationally recognized mission would benefit from the additional courts and amenities as proposed, and they commented that the large shed- like form for the new tennis pavilion conveys an appropriately utilitarian character, with the opportunity to express its playful purpose. For the development of the design, they recommended simplifying the supergraphic signage and use of color, which they found to be distracting; while they expressed support for the use of fluorescent yellow recalling the color of tennis balls, they recommended using this only as an accent color within a more controlled palette and pattern, potentially coordinated with the appearance of the existing tennis facility. For the site design, they recommended improving the visibility and access to the entrance as approached from the parking lot and the pedestrian bridge, and they suggested adjusting the location of the existing Capital Bikeshare station to be closer to the main entrance and providing more bikeshare docks if possible. They also suggested providing additional shaded seating for spectators at the tennis and pickleball courts.
The Commission looks forward to the expansion of this important facility. Please continue to consult with the staff which, as always, is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Delano Hunter, Director
D.C. Department of General Services
3924 Minnesota Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20019
cc: Brian Vassallo, MTFA Design and Preservation
Thennie Freeman, D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation
Cora Masters Barry, Recreation Wish List Committee