Letter
Dear Mr. Hanlon:
In its meeting of 21 July, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed the proposed new charter school building and site modifications at the Draper Public School property, 908 Wahler Place, SE. The Commission commended the design team for the general concept of stepping volumes and approved the concept design with the following comments.
As the design of the new school is further developed, the Commission recommended that the center courtyard—the important focal point of the school—be designed to accommodate a variety of uses and functions. Rather than featuring a single basketball court, this central space should be made as green and flexible as possible to accommodate potential uses as a garden, gathering, or recreation place.
In anticipation of the second phase of construction for the school, the Commission suggested that as many shade trees as possible be planted in the first phase to allow the trees to become established by the time the second phase of the project is completed. The details of the site plan—including parking and sports facilities—should be reconsidered in relation to topography and optimizing the efficient use of the site over the two phases.
The Commission looks forward to the review of the final design. As always, the staff is available to assist you with the next submission.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Brian J. Hanlon, Interim Director
D.C. Department of Real Estate Services
2000 14th Street, NW, 8th Floor
Washington, DC 20009
cc: John K. Burke, Studio Twenty Seven Architecture