Letter
Dear Mr. Albert:
In its meeting of 15 November, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed the concept design for the Walker Jones School, including a public library and recreation center that will be incorporated into the project.
The Commission members expressed enthusiastic support for the general configuration of the building and placement of the programmatic elements. They also supported the basic concept of creating four masonry volumes joined by areas of clear glass, suggesting that the clarity of this concept be emphasized in the development of the design. The members recommended that the pattern of windows and brickwork be simplified with careful study of the proportions; they discouraged a design that relies on costly materials and extensive maintenance since budget constraints are likely. As an example, they suggested reconsideration of the library's southwest-facing glass wall which would be costly to construct and require extensive solar shading devices. The Commission also suggested further consideration of how mechanical equipment would affect the form of the roof and appreciated the inclusion of an accessible green roof above the recreation center entrance.
The Commission requested the opportunity to review a revised concept design at your earliest convenience. As always, the staff is available to assist you with future submissions.
Sincerely,
/s/
Thomas E. Luebke, AIA
Secretary
Neil O. Albert, Deputy Mayor
Government of the District of Columbia
Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
The John A. Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 317
Washington, DC 20004
cc: Jason Willock, Office of the Deputy Mayor
Peter Winebrenner, Hord Coplan Macht
Sean Regan, Regan Associates
Cornell S. Brown, Jr., D.C. Public Schools