CFA 19/JUN/08-10

Owner
D.C. Public Library
Property
Anacostia Neighborhood Library
Description
New replacement building
Review Type
Revised concept
Previous Review

Letter

Dear Ms. Cooper:

In its meeting of 19 June, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed revised concept designs for two new neighborhood libraries in the District of Columbia. The Commission commended the D.C. Public Library for the quality of the designs and comprehensive presentation materials, including detailed models. The Commission approved both revised concept submissions with the following comments:

Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library. The Commission members appreciated the architect’s responsiveness to their comments and considered the design highly successful and well-conceived given the irregular shape of the lot.

Anacostia Neighborhood Library. The Commission members expressed appreciation for the landscape design and its educational applications, commenting on the sophistication of the design with its pronounced horizontality. They commented that the glass tower weakens the concept and introduces a commercial character, recommending further study or elimination of this element.

Due to the detailed development and high quality of the designs presented, the Commission delegated final approval to the staff, which is available to assist you with the subsequent submissions.

Sincerely,

/s/Thomas E. Luebke, AIA
Secretary

Ginny Cooper, Chief Librarian
District of Columbia Public Library
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library
901 G Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001

cc: Phil Freelon, The Freelon Group