Letter
Dear Mr. Weaver:
In its meeting of 18 February, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a revised concept submission for the renovation of the Marie H. Reed Community Learning Center at 2200 Champlain Street, NW. The Commission approved the concept with the following comments and delegated review of the final design to the staff.
Expressing appreciation for the responsiveness to their previous comments, the Commission members commended the project team for proposing a respectful rehabilitation of an impressive Brutalist building that presents numerous design challenges. They commented on the strength and clarity of the concept’s programmatic expression, which successfully interweaves the two programs of school and community center while keeping them spatially distinct. They recommended amplifying the use of color on the building’s exterior, which will be particularly effective when seen against the neutral tone of the concrete facades, and further integrating color throughout the site. Emphasizing the importance of providing ample shade in the summer months when the site is the location for many community activities, they recommended adding trees, particularly within the terraced landscape design.
The Commission members look forward to seeing the completion of this important public project. Please coordinate with the staff for review of the final design submission.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Christopher Weaver, Director
D.C. Department of General Services
2000 14th Street, NW, 8th Floor
Washington, DC 20009
cc: Jeffrey Luker, Quinn Evans Architects
Sharon Bradley, Bradley Site Design