September 2008

DC Modern Returns

DCPL is pleased to announce the return of its popular DC Modern program series, started in 2006.  Three events are planned this fall including a walking tour, a presentation and a panel discussion. 

Designed as a vehicle to focus attention on the identification, importance and issues facing mid-century modern architecture, DC Modern has proven to be one of the most successful DCPL initiatives.

The events will cover the New Southwest DC Redevelopment area, the announcement of a soon to be completed inventory of modernist buildings and landscapes in DC, and a panel discussion on the evaluation of modernist buildings for preservation.

For more information, please see the DC Modern program guide.

St. Elizabeths To Be Open For Tours

Join the DC Preservation League and the General Services Administration for a special walking tour of the west campus of St. Elizabeths Hospital.  A National Historic Landmark, the west campus is composed of more than 176 acres on a high plateau in Southeast Washington, overlooking the confluence of the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers. Considered to be the preeminent panoramic view of the capital city and northern Virginia, the site was chosen for its bucolic setting by Dorothea Dix and the first Superintendent Charles H. Nichols.  The west campus consists of 62 contributing buildings, the oldest and most magnificent of these being the Center Building, built in 1852 and designed by Thomas U. Walters. Specimen trees gathered from around the world over a century ago and planted to enhance the treatment of the patients grace the grounds.

Third Church of Christ, Scientist

A Mayor's Agent hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday, October 28th at 9:30 am.  The church is claiming that "the raze of a landmark building is consistent with the purposes of the Act and necessary to construct a project of special merit, and that the failure to issue the permit will result in unreasonable economic hardship to the owner."
 
New e-Advocacy Network Launched

In order to generate timely communication and coordinated action concerning local legislation impacting historic preservation, DCPL has created the e-Preserve DC Advocacy Network.  Members of the network can expect alerts only when urgent action is required - likely 3-6 times per year, that will include tools to help craft individual responses to city officials.  To join, send an email to advocacy@dcpreservation.org.  

Government Affairs

On Thursday, September 11th, Government Affairs Committee Chair Andrew Potts and staff member Erik Hein went to the Historic Anacostia Block Association meeting to talk about DCPL and what we are doing to help the receipients of the Historic Homeowner Grant Program who have been informed by the DC Office of Taxation and Revenue that their grants should be deemed as taxable.  Councilmember Marion Barry has introduced emergency legislation to correct this problem and DCPL is supportive of this measure.  We will be working with HABA in the coming weeks to meet with Councilmember Barry and to advocate for a speedy resolution.

Landmarks

The DCPL Board of Trustees voted to co-sponsor the Rainbow History Project's nomination of the Dr. Frank E. Kameny house at 5020 Cathedral Avenue NW to the DC Inventory of Historic Sites.  Kameny, a national leader in the gay rights movement, recently donated his papers to the Library of Congress and some of his early materials are held by the Smithsonian. 

Development

The backbone of the DC Preservation League is our members and donors.  In the coming month, half of our membership will be receving an Annual Appeal.  Consider making your tax-deductible donation to demonstrate your committment to historic preservation in DC beyond your annual membership.

Also, stay tuned for our 2009 Annual Fundraiser to be held in February.  Plans are in the works for what could turn out to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Raise Money for DCPL while shopping online! 

It's easy.  Go to iGive, select the DC Preservation League, and a portion of what you spend on purchases to retailers like GAP, Home Depot, and Best Buy will be donated to DCPL!

Become a Member or Renew Today at www.dcpreservation.org/join