Letter
Dear Ms. Wright:
In its public meeting of 19 November conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a concept design for a nine-story mixed-use building at The Yards, to be located on development Parcel F, bounded by N, First, and Quander Streets, and Yards Place, SE. In accordance with the review process established in the Memorandum of Agreement between the General Services Administration and the Commission of Fine Arts regarding the redevelopment of the former Southeast Federal Center, the Commission approved the submission with the following recommendations for the development of the design.
The Commission members commended the elegant materials and massing of the new building, which would include several setbacks and terraces; they noted that these features would provide attractive outdoor spaces while letting an appropriate amount of light into the building. To achieve the intended appearance of a two-story base for the building, they suggested setting the third level further back on the south. Regarding the outdoor terraces, they recommended developing the planting palette so that it would achieve the tall and dense character shown in the renderings and would be appropriate for the various outdoor microclimates. In addition, since wildlife would be attracted to the plantings, they advised specifying bird-friendly glazing for the windows.
The Commission looks forward to the review of future projects for the continued development of The Yards. As always, the staff is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Mina Wright, Director
Office of Planning & Design Quality
General Services Administration, National Capital Region
1800 F Street, NW, Suite 4400
Washington, DC 20405
cc: Annabelle Selldorf, Selldorf Architects
Toby Millman, Brookfield Properties