Letter
Dear Mr. Morey:
In its meeting of 19 June, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a revised concept design for the new Northeast Triangle residence hall at Georgetown University, 3700 O Street, NW (case number OG 14-170). The Commission gave the following comments for the refinement of the design, recommending that final approval for the project be delegated to the Old Georgetown Board.
The Commission members expressed appreciation for the improvements in the design since the last review, including the development of the landscape and many architectural details. For the completion of the design, they suggested further study of the plant palette as part of a larger concept for the site within the campus, and they recommended that the ramp at the south end of the site be redesigned with a shallower slope to eliminate the need for handrails within the landscape. For the exterior of the building, they recommended additional study of the transition between the stone base and the brick and curtainwall above to ensure a more consistent expression; they also suggested reconsidering the detail for the glass spandrels above the windows at the top level to emphasize the continuity of the building's parapet.
The Commission characterized the project as a handsome addition to the campus; its comments support and augment the report of the Old Georgetown Board (enclosed). Please coordinate the review of the final design by the Old Georgetown Board with the Commission staff, which is available to assist you with the submission.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Robin A. Morey
Vice President, Planning & Facilities Management
New South Lower Level
Georgetown University, 37th and O Streets, NW
Washington, DC 20057
cc: Regina Bleck, Georgetown University
Vinicius Gorgati, Sasaki Associates
Enclosure: Report of the Old Georgetown Board, 19 June 2014