Letter
Dear Mr. Bonanno:
In its public meeting of 17 June conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a permit submission for alterations and additions to the Newseum building, located at 555 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, for use by Johns Hopkins University (case number SL 21-125). The Commission approved the design with the following comments.
In their support for the final design, the Commission members noted that this project represents a welcome opportunity for the successor to the original architectural firm for the museum to adapt the purpose-designed building for educational use. They expressed appreciation for the improvements to the design, in particular the detailing of the Tennessee Pink marble facades; they applauded the use of solid corners within the stone rainscreen system, and they recommended confirmation that the proposed light honed finish would produce the best effect for the pattern of chevron-shaped stones. For the design of the site, they commented that the movable planters proposed as part of the perimeter security would detract from the welcoming and gracious character of the entrance ramps and stairs, although they were not depicted consistently in the drawings; they recommended that a more elegant solution be found, perhaps including the judicious use of bollards.
The Commission looks forward to the completion of this prominent project. Please coordinate the resolution of the perimeter security design with the staff, which as always is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Mitchell Bonanno, Chief Real Estate Officer
Johns Hopkins University
3910 Keswick Road, N3100
Baltimore, MD 21211
cc: Billy Erhard, Ennead Architects
Lisa Delplace, Oehme van Sweden