Letter
Dear Mr. Russo:
During its meeting of 17 July 2003, the Commission reviewed the draft Small Area Plan for the National Defense University-Physical Fitness Complex for Fort McNair in Washington, D.C.
Of the two concept plans presented, the members were supportive of the second concept that would expand the grounds of the Fort with the acquisition of Squares 602 and 604, collectively known as the "Tempo C" site. The benefits of purchasing the Tempo C site on the east side of the Fort are numerous: providing additional room for a new main entrance gate with the required standoff distances; buffering the Fort from future private development to its east; and, most importantly, allowing an expansion of the National Defense University without negatively impacting the resources of the original Fort's national historic landmark district.
If the Tempo C site is not acquired and the future development of the Fort follows the plans of Concept #1, the members would have concerns with the location and impact of the proposed Phase Il parking structure on the end of Greenleaf Point, a highly visible point of land south of the historic National War College building. In addition, the effect of the proposed three large structures on the eastern edge of the Fort's central parade ground would require careful study to be designed to maintain the scale and rhythm of the smaller houses that line both sides of the parade ground.
As for the location of the physical fitness facility, either site would be appropriate; however, the Concept 2 location is preferred. The members encourage the acquisition of the Tempo C site for the Fort's expansion and believe that the future development of the Fort should follow the plans illustrated in Concept 2.
The Commission would like to commend the planning team for the thoroughness of the study for the Small Area Plan, and looks forward to working with the Military District of Washington as future projects are developed for Fort McNair.
To help facilitate our review of new submissions, we would like to request an inspection trip to the fort before our next meeting. The staff is available to coordinate this for the members.
Sincerely,
David M. Childs, FAIA
Chairman
John T. Russo, Director
Public Works and Logistics, FMMC
Military District of Washington
Headquarters
204 Lee Avenue
Fort Myer, VA 22211-1199
cc: Myrtle Bowen, Engineering Plans and Services Division, FMMC
Leonard Morton, Engineering Plans and Services Division, FMMC