Letter
Dear Mr. Ray:
In its meeting of 22 January, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed the master plan for improvements to Francis Field, located at 25th and N Streets, NW, as well as the concept design for Phase I of the improvements. The Commission approved the master plan and the concept design for Phase I with recommendations as described below.
The Commission members commented that the effect of the proposed improvements will be to create a green buffer surrounding an active playing field; they asked that more attention be given to the design of these areas as a neighborhood park. In particular, they recommended that the wider part of the south end be developed as a gathering space, perhaps by creating an open lawn ringed by trees and benches; and that the north end be fully integrated into the design of the site as part of the neighborhood park.
The Commission looks forward to seeing the further development of the design in the next submission, which should include a site lighting proposal prepared in consultation with affected parties such as the National Park Service and the local community. As always, the staff is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, AIA
Secretary
Clark E. Ray, Director
D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation
3149 16th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20010
cc: Jason Turner, D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation
Don Hoover, Oculus
Peter May, National Park Service
Gary Griffith, Friends of Francis Field
Richard B. Smith, Vornado/Charles E. Smith