Letter
Dear Mr. Hunter:
In its public meeting of 22 January conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a concept design for a new fire station for Engine Company 7, to be located at 1100 Half Street, SW. The Commission approved the submission and provided the following comments.
The Commission members expressed strong support for the traditional character of the proposed firehouse, particularly in the design of the central volume and its arched openings that articulate the apparatus bays. As the design is developed, they recommended extending the iconic red color of the bay doors to the arched transom windows above and to the corner arched window near the main entrance. They also suggested using a similar arched form at the blind inset panels on the northern façade. To reinforce the civic nature of this building, they suggested adding two flag poles in a prominent location in the building yard along Half Street to display the U.S. and District flags.
In their support of the project, the Commission members commended the leadership demonstrated by the District Government in proposing to reestablish L Street, which is part of the historic L’Enfant Plan; they also expressed support for the intention to develop the District-owned land on the southern half of this parcel for private use.
The Commission looks forward to the review of the next submission. As always, the staff 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: Adam McGraw, StudioMB