Library Renaissance Project
Contact: Robin Diener
July 20, 2009
Washington, DC -- At the Thursday July 16 meeting of the US Commission on Fine Arts (CFA), members continued to have reservations about the revised design by DC Public Library (DCPL) for the expansion of the Mount Pleasant Library on 16th Street, NW.
Commissioners reiterated their view that the design was not compatible with the main structure although in DCPL’s new proposal the 4500 square foot addition was moved from the side to the back as previously requested. CFA members also expressed concerns about the long-sloping ramp and patio area on the northwest side.
Commissioner Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, who voted against approval, said the library building program was too large for the site and that going forward with this design could have "a regrettable result."
Chairman Earl Powell III had concerns that the proposed expansion exterior was "boring" and asked that it "be nice to look at," alluding to residents of the buildings adjacent to the library.
Commissioners agreed that the floor layouts were good, given what is being asked by DCPL. CFA gave provisional concept approval, but requested DCPL come back with more ramp/patio alternatives and options for the exterior detailing of the expansion.
DCPL was represented by Jeff Bonvechio, Capital Projects Manager, and by project architect Henry Myerberg.
The presentation can be seen here >>
http://tinyurl.com/dcpl-mtpl-cfaplans-july09
A number of community groups were represented, including Historic Mount Pleasant and the District Dynamos. Chris Otten, Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner from ANC 1C in Adams Morgan, which is served by the Mt. Pleasant library said, “The public agrees with the CFA. They want more options for the configuration of this historic library on this site.”
LIBRARY
DYNAMOS