Letter
Dear Mr. Sanders:
In its meeting of 15 September, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed the final design submission for an addition and alterations to the U.S. Department of State's Harry S. Truman Building at 21st Street and Virginia Avenue, NW, for the U.S. Diplomacy Center. The Commission expressed appreciation for the development of the project and approved the proposal with the following comments.
The Commission members raised concern about the paved areas on either side of the new pavilion, recommending that these areas should be unobstructed spaces as a setting for the pavilion. Concurrent with their approval of the design, they noted the challenge of maintaining timely exhibits and questioned the proliferation and educational effectiveness of interpretive visitor centers for federal facilities in central Washington.
As always, the staff is available for further consultation.
Sincerely,
Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Robert H. Sanders, Division Chief
Special Projects Division
Office of Real Property Management
U.S. Department of State
Washington, DC 20520
cc: Mina Wright, General Services Administration
Hany Hassan, Beyer Blinder Belle
Stephen H. Estrada, U.S. Department of State