Letter
Dear Ms. Williams:
In its public meeting of 17 July conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a concept design submission for a new above-grade garage and associated landscape to be located at Gate 6 on the historic St. Elizabeths West Campus, the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The Commission approved the concept design and provided the following comments.
The Commission members expressed support for the proposal to build the new garage into the hillside and screen its primary facade with perforated vertical panels, finding that this strategy would successfully knit this large, utilitarian structure into the landscape. For the development of the design, they identified several topics that would benefit from further consideration given this sensitive context. They emphasized that views from the historic campus plateau toward the city’s monumental core should be prioritized, and they recommended shaping and screening these views using planted and architectural elements. In addition, they advised careful study of the boundary between the campus and the residential development planned for the adjacent Barry Farm site, and they cautioned that future additions to the garage may create further traffic, air, and noise impacts on the neighborhood. Finally, they suggested incorporating sustainable design practices where possible, including reducing redundant areas of paving and studying the feasibility of solar panels and canopies.
The Commission looks forward to further review of this project, which supports the planned development of the National Historic Landmark campus. Please coordinate the next submission with the staff which, as always, is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Kristi Tunstall Williams, Director
Office of Planning & Design Quality
General Services Administration, National Capital Region
1800 F Street, NW, Suite 4400
Washington, DC 20405
cc: Toby Hasselgren, ZGF
Hallie Boyce, OLIN