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 renovations and additions to Charles Hart Middle School, located at 601 Mississippi Avenue, SE. The Commission approved the concept and provided the following comments for the development of the design.
The Commission members expressed strong support for the proposed new landscape and addition, particularly the new two-story entrance portal and amphitheater seating that would be constructed at the rear of the historic 1928 school building. Citing the civic quality of the new additions, they suggested using a similar design language for the new main entrance that would be located between the old and new buildings; they also suggested refinement of this entrance area to accommodate new public artwork. For the connecting hyphen at the rear between the addition and the existing school, they recommended using glass instead of the proposed light-colored brick. Finally, they suggested consideration of transparent panels for the new doors that would be set within the historic entrance, commenting that the proposed solid panels would give the school an unwelcoming appearance.
The Commission looks forward to further review of this project, including any public artwork, which should be submitted as a separate 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: Alexander DeFee, Studios Architecture
Dani Alexander, Studio AKA