Letter
Dear Ms. Jasper:
In its meeting of 16 April, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed the concept design for the proposed renovation and expansion of the Recorder of Deeds Building at 6th Street and Indiana Avenue, NW. The Commission members supported the possibility of an addition to this significant historic building and requested the submission of a revised concept for further consideration.
The Commission members recommended simplifying the design of the proposed addition, following the example of the existing masonry building's well-resolved design as a background building within the active urban context; they emphasized the importance of relating the design to the varied scales of adjacent buildings. The Commission members recommended development of a simple box-like addition and suggested the study of different massing configurations, which may include such options as increased height and smaller setbacks. They also suggested further exploration of the exterior cladding material with consideration of stone rather than glass to relate to the existing building's facades.
As always, the staff is available to assist you with the next submission.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, AIA
Secretary
Robin-Eve Jasper, Director
D.C. Office of Property Management
2000 14th Street, NW, 8th Floor
Washington, DC 20009
cc: Elvis Douglas, D.C. Office of Property Management
Suman Sorg, Sorg Architects