Letter
Dear Mr. Rombach:
During its meeting of 18 March 2004, the Commission reviewed the proposed temporary modular building for the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (SEEC) to be located on the grounds at the east end of the National Museum of American History. Understanding that the SEEC will eventually be relocated in the National Museum of Natural History, the installation of the temporary modular building was approved with reservations.
The chosen site offers the advantage of a drop in level to screen views of the concrete building from the Mall. Additional landscaping will help screen it at ground level. However, the members felt its design to be rather harsh. They expressed concern about the impact on the children who will use this facility for the next three to five years. On that note, five years may be too long for a temporary structure. The Commission prefers that the life of the building be moved closer to the three year deadline.
Sincerely,
/s/
Charles H. Atherton
Secretary
Harry Rombach, R.A.
Associate Director for Facilities Master Planning Smithsonian Institution
Office of Facilities
750 9th Street, NW, Suite 5200
Washington, DC 20013-7012