Letter
Dear Dr. Elias:
During its meeting of 16 June 2005, the Commission reviewed and approved the final plans for the modernization and renovation of the U.S. National Arboretum's main Administration Building. The replacement windows using butt-joint double insulated glass with an internal "T" shaped central mullion for support will help preserve the appearance and character of the existing large windows that are integral to the original design of the building.
Great care needs to be given in the specification of the glazing used in the new double glass units to ensure that the transparency and color of the whole unit matches that of the existing single-glazed windows. Otherwise, the balance of the project conforms to the previously approved concept design and when completed should greatly improve the building's energy efficiency and overall functionality.
We look forward to the review of future projects for the Arboretum. As always, the staff is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas Luebke, AIA
Secretary
Dr. Thomas S. Elias, Director
U.S. National Arboretum
United States Department of Agriculture
3501 New York Avenue, NE
Washington, D.C. 20002-1958
cc: Serag Wahba, USDA
Robert Drechsler, USDA
Darlene Masten, USDA
Judy Morrison, USNA