Letter
Dear Mr. Hunter:
In its public meeting of 18 July conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a concept design for the renovation of and additions to the Malcolm X Elementary School and its associated landscape at 1500 Mississippi Avenue, SE. Expressing appreciation for a clear presentation and an elegant design, the Commission approved the concept submission and provided the following comments.
The Commission members cited the cohesiveness of the proposed design, both in its planning and materiality, and they expressed support for the restrained exterior material palette of light-colored panels against a background of gray brick. However, they questioned whether the darker tones of the facade would create a gloomy environment for the students, and they recommended further consideration of the color palette to support a more cheerful setting. For the design of the site, they suggested that one of the access ramps along Mississippi Avenue could be designed as a sloped walkway within the landscape to provide a more natural and welcoming arrival experience. Recognizing the structural challenges of locating the rooftop solar panels on the three-story block, they advised exploring opportunities to provide solar canopies at the parking lot instead of installing them directly on the rear slope as proposed.
Please continue consulting on the development of this important project 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: Joanna Schmickel, CGS Architects
Renee Pean, D.C. Public Schools