Letter
Dear Ms. Mendelson-Ielmini:
In its public meeting of 19 November conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts approved, based on its prior review of the submission materials, the proposed final design for alterations to the Second Division Memorial, located on the south side of the Ellipse at Constitution Avenue, NW. In their support of the project, the Commission members suggested further study of the historic landscape design to determine the appropriate type and size of plants to use in framing the memorial within the context of the Ellipse; they questioned the use of Japanese hollies, which they cautioned may not provide sufficient scale, quality, and robustness for this purpose. They requested that the design team consult with the staff on the final plant selection.
The Commission appreciates the careful work undertaken in designing this latest extension of the Second Division Memorial. As always, the staff is available to assist you with future submissions.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Lisa Mendelson-Ielmini, Acting Director
Region 1–National Capital Area
National Park Service
1100 Ohio Drive, SW
Washington, DC 20242
cc: Hany Hassan, Beyer Blinder Belle
Lisa Delplace, Oehme, van Sweden