Letter
Dear Mr. Acosta:
In its public meeting of 20 June conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts was pleased to hear an information presentation by the National Capital Planning Commission staff on the Kennedy Center-Foggy Bottom Area Study, an area of the city that is disconnected from the Monumental Core and adjacent neighborhoods by a complex of highway infrastructure. Expressing appreciation for the clear presentation and the overall direction of the study, the Commission provided the following comments.
In its general support for this ambitious urban design approach, the Commission members recognized the outstanding opportunity to transform the public realm in this area of the city; they emphasized that resolving the vehicular traffic and associated infrastructure is critical to improving the pedestrian experience and creating a continuous open space network. They observed that the ideas presented in the study would enhance pedestrian connectivity to the Kennedy Center for local residents and visitors, and they encouraged the provision of active open spaces in the study area—both to support this cultural destination and to complement the character of the National Mall. Finally, they acknowledged the great importance of identifying an institutional or governmental champion to advocate for this long-term effort in order to achieve its implementation.
The Commission looks forward to future review of this visionary planning effort. Please continue to consult with the Commission staff which, as always, is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Marcel Acosta, Executive Director
National Capital Planning Commission
401 9th Street, NW, Suite 500-N
Washington, DC 20004
cc: Kym A. Hall, National Park Service–National Capital Area
Anita Cozart, D.C. Office of Planning
Deborah Rutter, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts