Letter
Dear Mr. Hunter:
In its public meeting of 21 March conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a second concept submission for the renovation and expansion of MacArthur High School and its associated landscape at 4530 MacArthur Boulevard, NW. The Commission approved the concept design and provided the following comments.
The Commission members commended the design team for developing an admirable architectural solution that unifies this eclectic campus on a complex site. They expressed support for the revisions proposed in response to their previous comments, particularly the improvement of pedestrian and bicycle access in relation to vehicular traffic movement. Recognizing the full school capacity of 800 students and the constrained space available to manage traffic, they strongly recommended further improvement to pedestrian circulation within the campus: enhancing the experience of the approaches from MacArthur Boulevard; using clear physical and graphic elements to support pedestrian movement, particularly at drop-off areas; and developing additional areas for congregating and waiting, both at the entry plaza and throughout the entire arrival sequence. Regarding the proposed material options for the upper level of this central addition, they expressed a preference for green glazed brick rather than metal panels, commenting that the brick would provide a beautiful and longer-lasting solution that would provide a sense of weight and gravity for this institutional building.
The Commission looks forward to further review of this important project. Please continue consulting on the development of the design 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: Alexander DeFee, Studios Architecture
Danielle Alexander, Studio AKA
Renee Pean, D.C. Public Schools