Letter
Dear Ms. O'Dell:
In its meeting of 18 February, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed the proposed identification signs for eight monuments and memorials on the National Mall as a component of the Pedestrian Guide Sign Program and did not approve the submission.
The Commission members commented that the addition of identification signs would be intrusive and would contribute to the existing visual clutter around these sites. They emphasized that these monuments and memorials are strong visual icons that speak for themselves; the proposed signs would detract from their dignity, potentially creating an inappropriate similarity to corporate branding programs. The Commission concluded that the identification signs are unnecessary, particularly in consideration of the other signs that have already been approved in the other components of the Guide Sign Program.
The Commission looks forward to the installation of the approved wayfinding and visitor guide signs as part of this comprehensive sign program. As always, the staff is available to assist you with future submissions.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, AIA
Secretary
Margaret O'Dell, Regional Director
National Park Service, National Capital Region
1100 Ohio Drive, SW
Washington, DC 20242
cc: Peter May, National Park Service
Wayne Hunt, Hunt Design