Letter
Dear Mr. Hunter:
In its public meeting of 19 February conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a concept design submission for renovations and additions to Ketcham Elementary School, located at 1919 15th Street, SE. The Commission approved the concept and provided the following comments for the development of the design.
The Commission members commended the project team for developing an architectural language for the new additions that is sympathetic to the historic 1908 school block and its additions from the 1940s. Citing the strong civic quality of the entrance to the original school, they suggested including an entrance portal at the fence line, perhaps using brick piers or site walls, leading to the new accessible main entrance that would be set back from the street on the south side of the addition. To bring further consistency to the design, they recommended applying the pattern of windows and panels used for the classroom additions to the elevations of the new gymnasium addition.
The Commission looks forward to further review of this project. 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: Camilo Bearman, DLR Group
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