Letter
Dear Mr. Hunter:
In its public meeting of 18 January conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed the proposed final design for the renovation and expansion of the Adams Education Campus of the Oyster-Adams Bilingual School, located at 2020 19th Street, NW. The Commission approved the final design, conditional upon the resolution of several details, the review of which they delegated to the staff.
The Commission members expressed appreciation for the development of the design, citing the overall refinements to the facade details. However, for the design of the new entrance portal along 19th Street, they found that the previously presented copper-clad design of the surround would be preferable to the new alternative proposed in brick; they recommended that its detailing be revised to follow the design presented in the previous submission, including the glazing system with light-colored metal mullions. They also recommended further study of the small entrance plaza at this location, observing that its scale and furnishings as proposed may not be appropriate for this primary entrance for the school; they emphasized the potential of the plaza to be an extension of the interior lobby and a welcoming place for students to congregate. They commented that the very limited bench seating and bicycle racks may be insufficient, and they suggested incorporating a seat wall as part of the landscape design. Noting that this entrance will provide barrier-free access to the school, they also recommended that the design for this area be supportive of wheelchair users, such as by encouraging companion seating configurations. They discouraged the use of brick paving at the entrance plaza, suggesting consideration of concrete instead, and questioned the illustrated monument sign for the school’s name. For the rear of the school, the Commission members requested coordinating the use of copper cladding for entrances and other elements in relation to the design of the front entrance portal.
The Commission looks forward to these improvements to this notable historic school building. For completion of the delegated final review process, please coordinate with the staff, which is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Delano Hunter, Director
D.C. Department of General Services
3924 Minnesota Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20019
cc: David Bagnoli, Studio MB
Renee Pean, D.C. Public Schools