Letter
Dear Ms. Hall:
In its public meeting of 18 November conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a concept proposal for modifications to the First Division Monument in President’s Park near 17th Street and State Place, NW, in order to add three plaques to the existing composition. The Commission approved the submission with the following comments.
The Commission members commended the design as sensitive and modest in its proposed alterations to the existing Beaux-Arts monument; they expressed appreciation for the careful consideration of integrating the three additional plaques into the north edge of the monument’s east plaza, along with the forward-thinking planning for future plaques along the west plaza. Although the view from the north was not documented in the submission, they observed that the proposed siting of the three plaques would interrupt the continuity of the hedge when seen from the north, potentially resulting in an awkward appearance by exposing the back of the plaque pedestals. Noting the role of the existing hedges in defining the spatial setting of the memorial, they requested that the next submission more fully document the existing and proposed perimeter conditions.
The Commission looks forward to continuing its review of the proposed modifications to the First Division Monument. As always, the staff is available to assist you with the next submission.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Kym A. Hall, Area Director
Region 1–National Capital Area
National Park Service
1100 Ohio Drive, SW
Washington, DC 20242
cc: Suzette Goldstein, HOK
Lt. Gen. Thomas Rahme, Society of the First Infantry Division
Marcel Acosta, National Capital Planning Commission