Report
Dear Mr. Hunter:
In its public meeting of 17 October conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a concept design for a replacement building and landscape modifications at the Frederick Douglass Community Center at 1922 Frederick Douglass Court, SE. In its review, the Commission endorsed the general concept but did not take an action, providing the following comments for further development of the design.
Although expressing support for the proposed massing and radial plan, the Commission members noted that the trapezoidal room configurations resulting from this geometry may create spaces that are not ideal for accommodating programmatic uses. They cited the oddly shaped multipurpose recreation space, presented as a half-court gymnasium, as well as the potentially constrained access to the six green roofs. They also requested additional development of the site design to ensure the suitable size and configuration of the program elements, including the community garden, perimeter and interior fences, and access to the site. Finally, they recommended undertaking a comprehensive energy modeling analysis to better understand how the building could meet the D.C. Government’s net-zero energy standards given the proposed building envelope’s extensive surface area and glazing, which may result in an increased energy load.
The Commission looks forward to further review of this important new community facility. Please consult with the staff which, as always, is available to assist you with the next submission.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Delano Hunter, Director
D.C. Department of General Services
3924 Minnesota Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20019
cc: John Burke, Studio 27 Architecture
Peter Nohrden, D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation