Letter
Dear Ms. Mendelson-Ielmini:
In its meeting of 19 September, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed the final design for the National World War I Memorial, proposed to be located within Pershing Park on Pennsylvania Avenue between 14th and 15th Streets, NW. Expressing appreciation for the project team’s thoughtful engagement throughout the collaborative process, the Commission approved the submission with the following comments.
The Commission members commended the final design of this national memorial, which they said will revitalize Pershing Park, creating a new work of art within an existing work of art. Regarding the resolution of outstanding details, they expressed support for the proposed location of the tactile model near the belvedere, and they advised further consultation with the staff about the details of the sculpture wall and the proposed inscriptions.
The Commission looks forward to the completion of this nationally significant commemorative work. Please coordinate with the staff on the resolution of final details, including the preparation of mockups for review by the Commission.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Lisa Mendelson-Ielmini, Acting Regional Director
National Park Service, National Capital Region
1100 Ohio Drive, SW
Washington, DC 20242
cc: Libby O’Connell, U.S. World War I Centennial Commission
David Rubin, Land Collective
Sabin Howard, Sabin Howard Sculpture
Joseph Weishaar, UU+ Designs