Letter
Dear Mr. Hunter:
In its public meeting of 16 May conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a second concept submission for the renovation and expansion of Neval Thomas Elementary School and its associated landscape at 650 Anacostia Avenue, NE. The Commission members approved the concept design, providing the following comments and delegating the review of the final design to the staff.
The Commission members expressed appreciation for the development of a significantly improved design that addresses their previous comments, resulting in a more unified and coherent project. They expressed support for the refinement of the main entry plaza, observing that the proposed curvilinear configuration results in a more welcoming arrival experience. They commented that using curved ashlar walls at the front and back of the building helps to tie together the site composition, and they encouraged the careful detailing of the ashlar walls to ensure a more authentic appearance. They also suggested providing a direct, barrier-free path to the play surface at the lower level of the amphitheater. Regarding the architectural design, they found the refinement of the material palette to be both richer and simpler. However, they raised concerns about the gymnasium facades, whose variety of brick and fenestration patterns results in a busy composition, and they recommended further simplifying the exterior details. For the gymnasium’s interior, they noted that the bright daylight from the corner window may create glare; they suggested considering sports playability in determining the location and size of the windows.
Please coordinate the delegated final review 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: Tracy Hucul, Quinn Evans Architects
Joan Honeyman, Jordan Honeyman Landscape Architecture
Renee Pean, D.C. Public Schools