Letter
Dear Mr. Whitesell:
In its meeting of 17 July, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed alternative concepts for the rehabilitation of Franklin Park, a square in the L'Enfant city bounded by 13th, 14th, I, and K Streets, NW. The Commission expressed strong support for the project team's preferred option and approved this concept with several recommendations for the development of the design.
The Commission members commented that the preferred scheme builds upon the historic configuration of Franklin Park while allowing diagonal circulation through the site and providing new areas for programming. Noting the laudable desire to introduce new programs and amenities to the park, they encouraged balancing the needs of a wide range of visitors using this public space. They observed that the playground would be a new element with a potentially strong visual impact within the landscape, and they recommended paying careful attention to the design of this area to ensure its compatibility with the park as a whole. They acknowledged the site's rich history, suggesting emphasis on its natural spring as the inspiration for the central fountain and as the focus of limited historic interpretation.
The Commission looks forward to further review of this project and requested further information on the design of the park's many elements—such as the pavilion, paving, fountain, and lighting—as the project is developed for the next submission. As always, the staff is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Steve Whitesell, Regional Director
National Park Service, National Capital Region
1100 Ohio Drive, SW
Washington, DC 20242
cc: Hallie Boyce, OLIN
Rich Bradley, Downtown Business Improvement District
Peter May, National Park Service