Letter
Dear Mr. Hunter:
In its public meeting of 19 February conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a concept design submission for the construction of a new building and associated landscape at Burrville Elementary School, located at 801 Division Avenue, NE. While expressing support for the building program and planning, the Commission raised concerns about the proposed architectural character of the building and did not take an action, instead providing the following comments for the development of the design.
In their discussion, the Commission members cited Washington, D.C.’s long history of traditional and beautiful public school buildings, specifically those built between the late nineteenth to mid-twentieth centuries. Accordingly, they recommended that new educational facilities be works of exceptional civic architecture that inspire and elevate students as young citizens. They strongly encouraged the D.C. Government to follow the recent federal directive, Making Federal Architecture Beautiful Again, which calls for classical, traditional, or regional architecture when developing new federal facilities.
Although the Commission members endorsed the overall layout, form, and extensive use of windows proposed for the new school, they recommended revising the design with a vocabulary of traditional architectural materials and details. For the development of the new design, they suggested further analysis of historic schools and other civic buildings throughout the community and the city to provide guidance for a more appropriate exterior expression for this building.
The Commission looks forward to further review of this important public project. Please continue to consult with the staff which, as always, is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Delano Hunter, Director
D.C. Department of General Services
3924 Minnesota Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20019
cc: Kristina Vidal, Perkins Eastman Architects