Letter
Dear Mr. Lew:
In its meeting of 17 September, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed and approved the new concept design for the replacement building for the Howard D. Woodson Senior High School at 5500 Eads Street, NE. The Commission members expressed strong support for the new scheme, which they characterized as very well organized with improved planning compared to the previously reviewed submission.
In their discussion, the Commission members identified several issues for consideration in the development of the project. While generally supporting the design of the elevations and the articulation of the massing, they noted their preference for the composition of the rear elevation and of the side pavilions; they raised concerns that the main entrance was too large in scale and corporate in character. They suggested that details of the architectural elements, such as the ratio of dark- to light-colored masonry, the canting of the three-story columns, and the scale of the canopy be studied and refined to create an appropriate sense of arrival at a public institution. The Commission members also requested that the landscape design be developed further, recommending the exploration of alternatives to the great extent of lawn areas as shown and the creation of a direct entrance to the auditorium pavilion from the street rather than the proposed split pathway.
The Commission looks forward to a new submission as the design is developed for construction. As always, the staff is available to assist you with the next submission.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, AIA
Secretary
Allen Lew, Executive Director
Office of Public Education Facilities Modernization
2400 East Capitol Street, SE
Washington, DC 20003
cc: Robin McGrew, Cox Graae + Spack Architects