CFA 21/OCT/04-12

Location

Tenley-Friendship Branch Library
4450 Wisconsin Avenue at Albemarle Street, NW
United States

Owner
D.C. Public Library
Property
Tenley-Friendship Branch Library
Description
New replacement building
Review Type
Concept

Letter

Dear Mr. Jackson:

During its meeting of 21 October 2004, the Commission reviewed the proposed concept for the replacement of the Tenley-Friendship Branch Library located at 4450 Wisconsin Avenue, NW. The initiative to upgrade or replace this and other branch libraries is strongly supported by the Commission. The members recommended that as the project develops, the design should be simplified. The transparent corner of the building is a strong part of the design but the angled openings in the walls may prove to be costly without providing much enhancement to the project. The relationship between the amount of glass and brick may need to be adjusted to provide a more pleasing hierarchy of materials. In addition, other options for parking should be examined to see if more space can be captured for the building. Finally, the details of this design will be extremely important to its success and should be submitted for review as early as possible in the design development process.

The Commission looks forward to the future review of this and other projects for the District of Columbia Public Libraries. Please submit additional information for review when available. The staff is always available to assist you.

Sincerely,

/s/Frederick J. Lindstrom
Acting Secretary


Mr. Richard L. Jackson
Director, DC Public Libraries
901 G Street, NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20001

cc: Melanie Hennigan, Grimm and Parker
Justin Fisher, HESS Construction