CFA 20/SEP/07-6

Location

Marvin Gaye Park (former Watts Branch Park)
Watts Branch between Minnesota and Southern Avenues, SE
United States

Owner
D.C. Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
Property
Marvin Gaye Park (former Watts Branch Park)
Description
Public park and stream rehabilitation and restoration
Review Type
Concept

Letter

Dear Mr. Albert:

In its meeting of 20 September, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed and approved the proposed concept for Marvin Gaye Park, a two-mile-long linear park along Watts Branch in northeast Washington. The Commission members commented that the distribution of park elements into dispersed nodes, while an intriguing and successful concept, was perhaps taken too far; they suggested that some consolidation of the park's commemorative elements be considered. They expressed support for the design's balanced treatment of linear and transverse usage patterns and suggested that the proposed "art graffiti wall" at the Lady Bird Johnson Meadows be treated as a permanent artwork installation. The Commission members also suggested that emphasis be maintained on planted and natural areas rather than pavement.

Please coordinate with staff for the final submission and, as always, the staff is available should additional questions arise.

Sincerely,

/s/

Thomas E. Luebke, AIA
Secretary

Neil O. Albert, Deputy Mayor
Government of The District of Columbia
Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
The John A. Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 317
Washington, DC 20004

cc: Todd Douglas, Office of the Deputy Mayor
Marsha Lee, EDAW