Rendering by Marshall Moya Design.
A park memorializing the late, great D.C. go-go legend Chuck Brown is set to open on August 22 in Northeast’s Langdon Park.
Though it won’t be as grand as it was originally conceived to be—plans to include an amphitheater were scrapped after residents in the neighborhood expressed concern—the memorial park will feature a number of signature design aspects honoring the legendary local musician, such as his discography engraved on aluminum panels of the memorial’s wall, a timeline of his life and musical career, a “custom photo mosaic tile wall showcasing [his] performances,” toy drums and chimes for kids, lawn seating and benches for spectators to watch outdoor performances, and more.
The park was designed by Marshall Moya Design, who’s also responsible for designing the recently reopened Howard Theater in Shaw. The opening ceremony and ribbon cutting for the new park—which will feature an installation by local artist Jackie L. Braitman, as selected by the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities—is happening on the day of Brown’s 78th birthday.
“Chuck Brown set the foundation for various music genres, and he is an important of Washington, D.C. culture,” Michael Marshall, design director of Marshall Moya design, said in a release. “I am honored to have my firm lead the design, and to contribute to the public park space in Washington, D.C.”
Marshall, along with Mayor Vince Gray and members of Chuck Brown’s family will cut the ribbon on the new park on August 22 at 11 a.m.