Letter
Dear Mr. Hunter:
In its public meeting of 21 November conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a concept submission for a new building and landscape for Brent Elementary School, located east of Folger Park on Capitol Hill at 301 North Carolina Avenue, SE. The Commission approved the submission and provided the following comments for the development of the design.
The Commission members expressed strong support for the new building, which they characterized as beautiful and well articulated. They suggested further study of the entrance, particularly where the cladding meets the ground, as well as the form of the sunshades on the south facade. They recommended against pursuing the “bookend” massing alternative, commenting that these elements would distract from the main entrance and that the design of the facades would be stronger as proposed. For the site design, they observed that the school is located at a busy intersection, and they advised consideration of how the play areas along the sidewalks would be treated to ensure they are safe.
The Commission looks forward to further review of this project. Please continue to consult 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: Elise Robinson, DLR Group
Renee Pean, D.C. Public Schools