Letter
Dear Mr. Hanlon:
In its meeting of 19 March, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a concept design for a new stadium to be constructed on the former site of the Robert F. Kennedy Stadium, located along the Anacostia River at 2400 East Capitol Street, SE. The Commission expressed strong support for the proposal, but did not take an action, providing the following comments for the development of the design.
In their discussion, the Commission members characterized the proposal as elegant, citing its allusion to Classical design principles, particularly the monumental perimeter colonnade. However, they recommended strengthening the architectural expression of the east and west entrances—currently proposed as immense, featureless, and unwelcoming glass planes that interrupt the continuity of the colonnade—by completing the perimeter colonnade or incorporating a projecting portico at what should be the stadium’s most important architectural features, which also mark the city’s primary east–west axis. Noting the importance of creating the best setting for the stadium as a grand civic monument, they criticized the location of the large parking garage proposed to be built on the southeastern side of the stadium, where it would compromise the views from the east. Instead, they recommended locating this garage within a development site across the festival plaza opposite the D.C. Armory, which would frame views from the west and reinforce the urban setting of the stadium.
The Commission commends the District of Columbia and Washington’s football team for their vision in returning the stadium to this site and looks forward to further review of the concept design for this important project. Please continue to consult with the staff which, as always, is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Brian Hanlon, Project Executive
RFK Stadium Project Management Office
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 324
Washington, DC 20004
cc: Lance Evans, HKS
Jim Burnett, OBJ
Andy VanHorn, Washington Commanders
Jen Nersessian, National Park Service
Marcel Acosta, National Capital Planning Commission