Letter
Dear Mr. and Ms. Gillespie:
In its public meeting of 18 January conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a concept submission for a second residential structure to be constructed on the grounds of an existing house located at 5320 27th Street, NW (case number SL 24-058), on a site overlooking Rock Creek Park. Expressing appreciation for the architectural concept of the proposed single-story, 3,800-square-foot, two-bedroom house—three connected pavilions in an L-shaped configuration to be built primarily on the location of an existing tennis court—the Commission approved the concept design with the following guidance.
Noting that the proposed new house would be close to three large trees that meet District of Columbia designation criteria for Special and Heritage Trees requiring special protection, the Commission members supported the tree protection measures described in the tree preservation plan, including the proposed root investigation and protection measures, and the adapted structural plan of on-grade slabs supported by hand-dug helical piers and grade beams.
The Commission looks forward to further review of the project. Please coordinate the refinement of the design and the preparation of a permit submission with the staff, which is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Samuel and Erica Gillespie
5320 27th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20015
cc: Christian Zapatka, Christian Zapatka Architects