Letter
Dear Mr. Hunter:
In its meeting of 17 September, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a concept design submission for renovations and additions to Bunker Hill Elementary School, located at 1401 Michigan Avenue, NE. The Commission did not take an action, providing the following comments for the development of the design.
The Commission members expressed general support for the symmetrical form and disposition of the proposed rear additions to this historic mid-century “extensible” school building, designed by the notable Washington, D.C., architect Arthur B. Heaton. They endorsed the character of the hyphens that would connect the old and new buildings, as well as the demolition of the noncontributing 1965 wing to create additional outdoor program space for the school. However, they found that the proposed flat roofs for the two new classroom bars would detract from the historic Colonial Revival school, which features prominent hipped roofs on the wings that flank the central entrance and gymnasium volumes. They therefore suggested including pitched roof forms on the new wings, which they said would help the new addition match the composition of the old building and would emphasize the more domestic scale of this elementary school facility; they said standing-seam metal could be an appropriate option for the roof cladding.
Regarding the south-facing sections of the building, the Commission members suggested revising the interior plan of the connecting volume between the classroom bars to create a more symmetrical presence for that elevation, articulated with a projecting form at the ground floor for the cafeteria and associated terrace. At the new eastern wing, they recommended removing the narrow, two-story blank panel intended for a mural, and instead inserting blind windows to bring further symmetry to the design; while they endorsed the installation of public art proposed for the east elevation, they also suggested the possible consideration of a sculpture on the south. Finally, they expressed support for the proposed landscape design, commenting that its generally symmetrical character would complement the symmetrical building composition.
The Commission looks forward to further review of this project. Please continue to consult with the staff which, as always, is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Delano Hunter, Director
D.C. Department of General Services
3924 Minnesota Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20019
cc: Hiroshi Jacobs, Studios Architecture
Rhonda Dahlkemper, Sage Studio