Letter
Dear Mr. Siegel:
In its meeting of 15 April, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed and approved the final design for the proposed Washington Canal Park located at 2nd Street between I and M Streets, SE, and its art installation by sculptor David Hess, commenting that the park will be an exciting catalyst for growth in a redeveloping neighborhood.
In their approval of the project, the Commission members expressed appreciation for the exploration of a new paradigm for parks in Washington resulting from the cooperation between public agencies and community groups. While they acknowledged the simplification of the art installation, they continued to express concern about the project's overall complexity and the necessary commitment to ongoing maintenance. They also questioned the design of the proposed benches, noting that the variety of forms contributes to the complexity of the park and that the location of some benches could interfere with planned programming.
The Commission looks forward to the transformation of this formerly utilitarian site into a community amenity. As always, the staff is available to assist you with future submissions.
Sincerely,
Thomas E. Luebke, AIA
Secretary
Stephen A. Siegel, Development Director
Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 317
Washington, DC 20004
cc: Gloria Nauden, D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities
David Rubin, OLIN
David Hess
Chris Van Arsdale, Canal Park Development Association