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ArchDC Spring 2018.qxp_Fall 2017 2/22/18 9:13 AM Page 51

Photo © Joe Romeo Gathering space at Marie Reed. Photo © Joe Romeo

multicolored lettering, dramatically identifying the facility and the plaza has been developed to serve as a new
to passersby. The large lettering responds to the scale and home for neighborhood events and to enjoy views across
prominence of the site, Luker said, adding that “given the the soccer field to the Washington Monument.”
neighborhood’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, now The building’s two wings are connected by a two-story
is a good time to celebrate the legacy of Marie H. Reed,” bridge over Champlain Street that provides a rather low
who was a noted community activist, minister, and leader. clearance to traffic passing underneath—a condition that
In front of the school, a new entry plaza and a series created a dark, uninviting space and interrupted street-
of ramps and stairs negotiate the sloping site while level sightlines along Champlain Street. The renovation
substantially improving the school’s connection to 18th project presented an opportunity to address the situation
Street and the surrounding neighborhood. “We wanted to by removing the bridge or modifying it to increase its
recharge the lifeless concrete plaza along 18th Street and clearance. In the end, though, other considerations
create a vibrant and welcoming gathering place for the argued against that option.
community to come together,” Hucul said. “Early concept designs considered removal of the
“Early on, we noted that with thoughtful design, the bridge,” Luker said. “However, we soon discovered that
existing front playground and many of the school’s primary from inside, the spaces within the bridge enjoy unique
spaces might feature views across the city skyline,” Luker and special views. As the project evolved, we came to
added. “Celebrating community is central to the design, celebrate [the idea of] an internal street that connects the

REFRESHER COURSE 51