Letter
Dear Mr. Jacobs:
During the Commission's 21 July 2005 meeting, the members reviewed an updated concept for the proposal to add three buildings in the L'Enfant Plaza complex and a new concept design for landscaping throughout the plaza. The members reviewed the design development proposed for the building skins, saying that the treatment of clear glass and metal walls was appropriate and helped to provide counterpoint to the gravity of the existing L'Enfant complex. Regarding the base of the complex below the plaza level, the members expressed concern about the close proximity of the proposed buildings at the northeast and southeast corners of the site to the existing Department of Housing and Urban Development headquarters building by Marcel Breuer. They look forward to discussing this issue and the treatment of the public areas below the plaza level following a tour of the site in September.
The Commission also reviewed the concept design for the complex's new landscaping at the plaza level, noting that it would be a great improvement compared to the current condition of the plaza. However, there was a suggestion that the hard rectilinear paving pattern could be more animated and should be softened with a less rigid geometry.
As noted, the members approved the concept design for the building and landscaping with the above suggestions and requested a site inspection of the existing complex before the next submission. They also look forward to the submission of the design of the entrance pavilion for the National Capital Children's Museum that was not included in this submission. Please coordinate the site inspection with the staff, who are available if you require additional assistance.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas Luebke, AIA
Secretary
Benjamin R. Jacobs
JBG / L'Enfant Plaza, c/o the JBG Companies
4445 Willard Avenue, Suite 400
Chevy Chase, MD 20815-3690
cc: Fred Clark, Cesar Pelli Partners
Michael Hickok, Hickok Cole Architects