Letter
Dear Mr. Anderson:
In its meeting of 16 July, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a new concept design for improving the ice skating arena at Fort Dupont Park, located at 3779 Ely Place, SE, comprising the renovation of the existing ice rink facility and the addition of a second indoor rink to be constructed above the existing parking lot. The Commission approved the concept submission with several recommendations for its further development.
The Commission members expressed appreciation for the simplified scope and improved scale of the proposal, as well as for the clarification of the building's relationship to the context. They requested further exploration of the design at an intermediate scale in order to clarify the many architectural and site features at the main entrance of the building. They recommended further refinement of the proposed facades enclosing new and existing circulation space between the rinks, and more modulation of the potentially overwhelming scale of the building, especially when seen from the west. Noting the multiple types of architectural metal finishes proposed for the facades, they recommended simplification of the materials palette.
The Commission looks forward to further review of this project as the design is developed. As always, the staff is available to assist you with the next submission.
Sincerely,
Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Keith Anderson, Director
D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation
1250 U Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
cc: Daniel Curry, Quinn Evans Architects
Karen Houser, D.C. Department of General Services