Looking at the images below, you can see why Anacostia Library advocates are wondering which library will they get. There are different design plans being shown to the public by DC Public Library, by the architects, and as approved by National Capital Planning Commission and awarded by the American Institute of Architects.
Which design will Anacostia get?
Shouldn't affected ANC Commissioners and neighbors know exactly what will be
built before construction begins?
DC Public Library is currently showing the following image of the new Anacostia
library on their website as of November 18, 2008.
This is the only exterior shot of the new Anacostia Library offered on the DCPL
website.
When visiting the interim library, you can see images of the design plans so that the public can submit comments using comment cards. Unfortunately, Anacostia residents may be commenting on an older design as the picture below shows a design different than the one currently on the DCPL website above.
If you pay a visit to the Freelon Group's website, you can see what they are showing in regards to the new Anacostia Library plans. They have at least two exterior shots of the new library, compared with one on the DCPL website. This shot is identical to the one currently being shown at the interim Anacostia Library. Why is it different than the one currently on the DCPL website? Which design will ultimately be built?
Apparently the NCPC approved designs that look different than what is currently on DCPL's website. Below is an image taken from a NCPC document approving the design. Notice the red rood shading and "A" tower. This report also showed images of the sides of the building, something you can't currently find on the DCPL website.
The American Institute of Architects awarded the Freelon Group for their design of the new Anacostia building. This was the only image of the new library on the AIA awards website looking at the side of the building facing East. Something to note, the large "belltower" with the "A" and the fact that the roof is red with a red filtered overhanging shade.
The following is three images fused into one, showing the Anacostia design plans that were unveiled at a public design meeting in December 2007. At that time, DCPL showed the front, side, and rear of the library and had all three angles on their website. Today there is only one, shown at the top of this page.
