Letter
Dear Mr. Kaczmarek:
In its meeting of 21 March, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a concept design for a new vehicular storage facility and operations building for the U.S. Army Transportation Agency to be located at Fort McNair at the corner of B and Canal Streets, SW. The Commission approved the concept with several recommendations for further development of the proposal.
While the Commission members supported the general disposition of the building elements and the historicist design approach within this context, they commented that the composition of the south facade needs further refinement to establish a coherent architectural identity in relation to the other buildings facing the parade ground. Therefore, they recommended reworking the building's proportions and elements–including horizontal courses, windows, and pilasters–to achieve a well–composed addition to the historic heart of Fort McNair. They also suggested that the roof be hipped rather than flat, with its height and configuration studied in relation to Building 18 and other nearby buildings.
The Commission looks forward to further review of the design as it is developed, including the detailing and selection of brick for the new building. As always, the staff is available to assist you with the next submission.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Ron Kaczmarek, Director, Public Works
U.S. Army Installation Management Command
Headquarters, United State Army Garrison, Fort Myer
204 Lee Avenue
Fort Myer, VA 22211–1199
cc: Marisa A. Colligan, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers