Letter
Dear Mr. Hunter:
In its public meeting of 20 March conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a concept design for a new two-story addition for a child development center at the southwest corner of the historic Wheatley Elementary School, located in the Trinidad neighborhood at 1299 Neal Street, NE. Delegating the review of the final design to the staff, the Commission approved the submission and provided the following comments.
The Commission members expressed strong support for the proposed addition, which they characterized as handsome and appropriately compatible with the historically significant Renaissance Revival-style school. For the development of the design, they advised further study of the proposed site access and entry sequence, commenting that the configuration of ramps and stairs appears awkward in general and potentially unsafe where the ramp intersects with the alley. Commending the harmonious relationship between the existing building and the proposed addition, they suggested studying the alignment of the new massing at its eastern end. Finally, they encouraged incorporating sustainable energy strategies into the project wherever possible, such as geothermal wells, rooftop photovoltaic panels, solar shading devices, and tree plantings along the alley.
The Commission looks forward to completing the review of this project. Please consult on the delegated final review 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: Salo Levinas, Shinberg Levinas Architects
Renee Pean, D.C. Public Schools