Letter
Dear Dr. Spelman:
The Commission was delighted to meet with you during its meeting of20 February for the review of the concept design for the proposed Asia Trail project to be located near the entrance to the National Zoological Park. We are sorry the weather conditions prevented us from visiting the Zoo to inspect the site and to see the model, which are instrumental in our understanding the impact of the project on the historic zoo. We would like to reschedule a visit for the our next meeting on 20 March.
The Asia Trail promises to be an exciting part of the Zoo. The improvements to the animal habitats and the careful integration of the landscaping will be a great first step in the "Renew the Zoo" effort. As such, the preliminary concept designs were well received and we encourage you to continue development of the concepts reviewed.
We look forward to the site visit and the continued review of design development, particularly for the new structures and the addition to the Panda House. As always, the staff is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Harry G. Robinson III
Harry G. Robinson III, FAIA
Chairman
Dr. Lucy Spelman
Director, Smithsonian Institution National Zoological Park
3001 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20008-2598
cc: Eric Mucklow, NZP Project Manager
Leon Chatelain, Chatelain Architects, p.c.
Warren Byrd, Nelson-Byrd Landscape Architects