Letter
Dear Mr. Anderson:
In its meeting of 18 January, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a second concept submission for modifications to the Stead Park Recreation Center at 1625 P Street, NW. The Commission approved the concept proposal, providing recommendations for the development of the design.
The Commission members expressed support for the overall distribution of elements, particularly the inclusion of an allée of trees linking the front and rear of the site, and they characterized the site design as much improved with a clearly ordered landscape. To unify the composition, they recommended continued refinement of the edges of the individual spaces. For example, they supported the refined design for a shading structure over the basketball court, while recommending that its overhangs be extended where appropriate to provide improved shade for the court in relation to the varying sun angle. Similarly, they recommended studying the orientation of the folded form of the smaller shading structure at the playground, possibly to improve its relationship with the solar exposure. They observed that the entrance stairs appear to be scaled for interior use, and they recommended ensuring that the stair dimensions are appropriate for an exterior landscape feature; they suggested integrating the sensory plantings within this stairway. They also recommended additional study of the playground proposal, suggesting a greater emphasis on natural landscape features such as boulders or trees, rather than relying primarily on equipment to create the play environment.
The Commission members offered overall support for the development of the architectural design for the proposed addition to the historic stable building at the center of the park. They expressed appreciation for the revision to clearly separate the green roof areas and rooftop event space. They suggested careful consideration of the facade openings on the addition in relation to the historic building’s windows and architectural details; they expressed a preference for masonry cladding. They observed that the proposed egress stair tower at the east end of the addition would serve as a threshold between the northern and southern areas of the park; they suggested growing vines on the tower to make it more of a landscape feature.
The Commission looks forward to further review of the design for this important community resource. As always, the staff is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Keith A. Anderson, Director
D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation
1250 U Street, NW, 2nd Floor
Washington, DC 20009
cc: Outerbridge Horsey, Outerbridge Horsey Associates