Letter
Dear Mr. Hunter:
In its public meeting of 15 May conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a concept submission for the construction of the Metropolitan Police Department’s new 7th District headquarters building and associated landscape at 2455 Alabama Avenue, SE. The Commission approved the concept and provided the following comments.
The Commission members expressed strong support for the design, which they said would contribute a handsome civic building to the residential neighborhood. Noting the relatively small scale of the context, they recommended reducing the apparent height of the new building by using a slightly darker brick for its base, allowing the two-story upper volume to float visually above. They also recommended reducing the building’s actual height, as well as the height and extent of the rooftop mechanical screen. For the landscape, they described the plaza design at the main entrance as welcoming; they recommended extending this enhanced pedestrian experience around the site by varying the articulation of the continuous brick perimeter wall, matching the brick of the wall to the building’s base, and adding
large trees and other plantings. For the parking lot, they recommended providing shade and reducing impervious surface area by adding more trees in expanded landscape islands, which would also improve stormwater management. They supported the intended informal tree planting strategy and emphasized that this approach should be used throughout the site. Finally, they encouraged further exploration of sustainability strategies, such as geothermal systems, electric police vehicle charging stations, and photovoltaic canopies above parking spaces.
The Commission looks forward to further review of this important project. Please continue consulting on the development of the design with the staff which, as always, is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Sarah Batcheler, AIA
Assistant Secretary
Delano Hunter, Director
D.C. Department of General Services
3924 Minnesota Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20019
cc: Salo Levinas, Shinberg Levinas Architects
Evan Timms, Bradley Site Design
Sean Conboy, Metropolitan Police Department