26 April 2012

Dear Mr. Reed:

In its meeting of 19 April, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a general concept design for the new athletic training facility at Georgetown University, 3700 O Street, NW (case number OG 11–282). The Commission approved the general concept for the overall siting and disposition of the program with the following recommendations for the development of the design.

The Commission members supported the general approach of organizing the facility with two levels of stacked basketball courts situated to the east of the existing McDonough Gymnasium, and secondary spaces located south of the courts. In general, they recommended that the gymnasium courts be presented as the dominant volume, rather than obscured by smaller–scale architectural elements reminiscent of the adjacent residential buildings. They cited the clear articulation of the adjacent McDonough Gymnasium as a vigorously expressed form flanked by subordinate auxiliary spaces; they recommended a similarly robust and simple treatment for the primary gymnasium volume, such as was illustrated in the south elevation of the 2011 concept design.

For the ancillary elements of the building, the Commission members requested additional study of the east elevation to establish a more resolved terminus to North Road, possibly incorporating the east entrance; likewise, they recommended simplification of the west elevation, particularly at the connection between the proposed structure and the existing gymnasium. They raised concerns about the undefined relationship of the two-story portion of the facility to the adjacent road on the south, suggesting that the building be brought closer to the road or perhaps extended with a raised terrace. They also emphasized the opportunity for treating large flat roofs as either occupiable spaces or green roofs.

The Commission's comments support and augment those made by the Old Georgetown Board in its meeting of April 5; the Board's report is enclosed. The Commission and Board look forward to reviewing further development of the design concept. As always, the staff is available to assist you with the next submission.

Sincerely,

/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary

Lee Reed
Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
Georgetown University
37th and O Streets, NW
Washington, DC 20057

cc: Regina Bleck, Georgetown University
William Gridley, Bowie Gridley Architects

Enclosure: Report of the Old Georgetown Board, 19 April 2012