Letter
Dear Mr. Levy:
In its public meeting of 19 May conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed the final design submission for a new multi-unit residential building and associated landscape at the site of the West Heating Plant at 1051– 1055 29th Street, NW. The Commission approved the design with the following comments.
The Commission members congratulated the project team on achieving a successful design for the rehabilitation of this prominent property, whose industrial character is reinterpreted in the new building and landscape. For the building, they commented that the varying positions of the moveable exterior screens, reminiscent of the former building’s structural framing system, will result in a lively appearance that expresses the individuality of the residential units within a more uniform framework. Noting the importance and challenges of the site, the Commission members expressed appreciation for the development of the landscape design, which includes a public walkway along Rock Creek and, above the associated parking garage, a publicly accessible garden that displays industrial relics from the former heating plant. They observed that the lighting design for the site and building will be an important part of the project’s success; this component should be coordinated with the staff as it is developed and documented.
The Commission looks forward to completion of this project that will bring a new use as well as public enjoyment of the currently derelict site. Please note that any subsequent modifications to the approved design may require further review by the Commission. As always, the staff is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Richard Levy
The Levy Group
1321 1⁄2 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20007
cc: Laurie Olin, OLIN
David Adjaye, Adjaye Associates
Peter May, National Park Service
Peter Armstrong, The Georgetown Company