Letter
Dear Mr. Cinkala:
In its meeting of 19 January, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a revised concept design for a new retail entrance pavilion and landscape modifications within the central space of the L'Enfant Plaza complex at 420 L'Enfant Plaza, SW (case number SL 12-040). While encouraging the general concept of a pavilion within a landscape, the Commission did not support the pavilion's design and requested a revised concept submission.
In their discussion, the Commission members endorsed the revised landscape concept of a perimeter of mounded earth forms planted with trees, and they recommended the further development of this idea by adding trees to make the entire center space more inviting. They strongly urged that the pavilion be conceived as a classic, simple greenhouse form within the classic, rectilinear space of the central plaza. In addition, they questioned the use of glass to screen the mechanical elements, recommending a less expressive treatment of these ancillary elements within the landscape.
The Commission looks forward to the review of a revised concept proposal. As always, the staff is available to assist you with the next submission.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Dean Cinkala
The JBG Companies
4445 Willard Avenue, Suite 400
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
cc: Colden Florance, SmithGroup