Letter
Dear Mr. Hanlon:
In its meeting of 19 January, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed the concept design for a new seven-story building for La Casa Permanent Supportive Housing at 1444 Irving Street, NW. The Commission expressed strong support for the initiative by the District of Columbia to create a new model facility for housing the homeless in the city. The Commission approved the concept design with recommendations for further development and delegated the review of the final design submission to the staff.
The Commission members encouraged the effort to design the building as an integral part of the neighborhood fabric. Accordingly, they commented that the proposed black color of the exterior contrasts excessively with the architectural context, instead recommending the selection of a color that is more compatible with the surrounding buildings. They also commented that the character of the proposed lobby appears too corporate and cold for a residential building, suggesting that it be more home-like, warm, and inviting.
As delegated, the staff is available to assist you in the review and approval of the final design.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Brian Hanlon, Interim Director
D.C. Department of General Services
2400 East Capitol Street
Washington, DC 20003
cc: John K. Burke, Studio Twenty Seven Architecture