CFA 20/OCT/11-7

Location

Square 50 (Fire and Engine Company No. 1)
23rd and M Streets, NW
United States

Owner
D.C. Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
Property
Square 50 (Fire and Engine Company No. 1)
Description
New mixed–use building with commercial and residential units, and fire station
Review Type
Concept

Letter

Dear Mr. Hoskins:

In its meeting of 20 October, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed the concept design for a new mixed-use building proposed by EastBanc and the D.C. Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) to be located at 23rd and M Streets, NW. The Commission approved the concept design and offered several recommendations for further development.

Observing that the stacked volumes of the proposed design create an elegant sculptural form, the Commission members nonetheless expressed concern that the dramatic parti was highly expressive for ordinary functions on an ordinary street. They suggested that the building elements may be too distinct from each other, recommending that the massing be more integrated. In particular, they noted that the fourth floor–a residential floor under the overhang of the upper volume–presents a moment of disruption in the design; they also questioned the facade design of the upper residential floors, which they characterized as having a commercial or institutional character, and suggested consideration of a more horizontal treatment.

The Commission looks forward to review of the next submission. As always, the staff is available to assist you.

Sincerely,

/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary

Victor Hoskins
Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 317
Washington, DC 20004

cc: Anthony Lanier, EastBanc
Enrique Norten, TEN Arquitectos