Letter
Dear Mr. Aslanturk:
In its meeting of 19 September, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a concept submission for two new row houses to be located on an undeveloped lot at 411 New Jersey Avenue, SE (case number SL 19-244). The Commission members present at the meeting did not recommend an action, providing instead the following comments.
The Commission members voiced support for the proposed intention to continue the architectural expression of the adjacent row of houses in the design of the new facades, as shown in Scheme B, noting that the consistent bay windows, stoops, and rooflines provide a syncopated yet balanced composition for the row. They observed that the location and configuration of the lot—at the end of the row of historic houses with an irregular northern property line adjacent to the railroad tunnel entrance, a less consistent context for the rear, and reciprocal views along New Jersey Avenue with the U.S. Capitol—may allow for a more differentiated design for the north facade of the northern house, but they did not support the design of Schemes A or C. In recognizing the complexity of the context, they recommended that the applicant consult with staff for the development of the concept to be presented again to the Commission.
As a quorum was not present for the review of this submission, these comments will be placed on the administrative agenda for confirmation at the Commission’s meeting of 17 October. The Commission looks forward to continued review of the concept design for this small but highly visible project. The staff is available to assist you with the development of the design.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Utku Aslanturk
Dila Construction
1200 Potomac Street, SE
Washington, DC 20003
cc: Mateusz Dzierzanowski, DZ Architecture
David Maloney, D.C. Historic Preservation Office