Letter
Dear Mr. Hunter:
In its public meeting of 18 June conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a revised concept design for a new building and landscape for Brent Elementary School, located at 301 North Carolina Avenue, SE, in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. While expressing support for the ongoing community engagement process in the planning of this important public building, the Commission did not take an action and provided the following comments for the further development of the design.
In their discussion, the Commission members expressed disappointment that the elegance of the previously approved concept had not been carried forward in the revised design. For example, while they expressed some support for the intention to reflect the rhythm of 19th-century rowhouse development in the facade designs, they commented that the offset vertical alignments between the floors add complexity and detract from the special character of the inflected walls framing the corner entrance. They also found that the overly complex segmentation of the facades appears arbitrary and creates a dissonance with the proposed traditional brick coursing; they strongly advised additional simplification of the design. In general, they emphasized that many institutional buildings in the neighborhood have a distinct character apart from the residential context, and that the design of this new school building should be articulated to convey its civic identity.
The Commission looks forward to further review of this important project for the Capitol Hill community. 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: Elise Robinson, DLR Group
Renee Pean, D.C. Public Schools