Letter
Dear Ms. Cooper:
In its meeting of 21 May, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed and approved the concept design for the Francis A. Gregory Neighborhood Library at 3660 Alabama Avenue, SE, expressing enthusiastic support for the proposal.
The Commission members commended the ambition of the design, adding that the success of the project will be dependent on careful detailing. In their discussion, they suggested further clarification of the conceptual basis for the derivation of the facade's undulating geometric patterns in order to add richness to people's understanding of the building. The Commission also recommended more careful consideration of the uncharacteristically random window pattern at the children's area.
The Commission members expressed overall support for the high quality of design in the D.C. Public Library's recent program of branch library construction, recommending that the construction budgets be sufficient to allow retention of the special design features and materials that distinguish the proposals.
As there was not a quorum present during the review of the submission, this recommendation will be placed on the agenda for confirmation at the Commission's meeting of 18 June. As always, the staff is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, AIA
Secretary
Ginnie Cooper, Chief Librarian
District of Columbia Public Library
901 G Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
cc: David Adjaye, Adjaye Associates