CITY OF ROCKVILLE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION

STAFF REPORT

November 9, 1999

SUBJECT:
HDC 99-0152
Adams Law Center, 25-33 Wood Lane       

APPLICANT:
Adams Center Partnership

Representative: John Du Fief
25 Wood Lane
Remove 7 trees, add 4 parking spaces

ZONE:   O-2 Transitional Office

PRESENT USE: Law Offices

PROPOSED USE: Law Offices

AGE OF STRUCTURE: Built 1977                                             

DATE FILED:  October 18, 1999

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION HEARING DATE: November 16, 1999

PREVIOUS RELATED ACTION AT THIS ADDRESS:

·        HD-25-77, Approved construction of four structures for office use.

·        HD-109-84, Approved two windows east side of the building at 27 Wood Lane - June 1984.

·        HDC95-0076, Approved replacement of masonite siding on front façade of 27 and 29 Wood Lane with beveled cedar siding.

·        HDC97-0108. Withdrawn.  Proposed expansion of office building and four additional parking spaces.

REQUEST:  Remove seven trees and add four parking places.

The above request is evaluated based on the following factors:

1.        Historic archeological, or architectural value and significance of the site or structure and its relationship to the historic, archeological, or architectural significance of the surrounding area.

The Adams Law Center is located in the Historic District. The buildings are 22 years old and of a scale which relates to the historic structures in the surrounding Historic District. The Adams Law Center is not historically or architecturally significant.

2.        The relationship of the exterior architectural features of the structure to the remainder of the entire structure and to the surrounding area.

Parking lots are not consistent with the character of the district, but a modern necessity.   HDC policy over the past 27 years has been to approve parking areas in the rear of historic properties that are removed and screened from the streetscape and public view.  This parking lot was approved as part of HD-25-77, the original site plan and use permit.

3.        The general compatibility of exterior design, scale, proportion, arrangement, texture and materials proposed to be used.

The materials and design for the additional spaces duplicate the original approval materials and design.

4.        To any other factors, including aesthetic factors, which the Commission deems to be relevant.

 

STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval subject to the following conditions:

1.      Approval of a Use Permit Amendment;

2.      That all permits, as needed and required, be obtained from the Division of Inspection Services and Department of Public Works;

3.      The additional parking spaces comply with City Code for O-2 parking areas and be approved by the Department of Public Works and Division of Inspection Services;  

4.      All construction must be in compliance with the City's construction codes, the Life Safety Code, and the Maryland Building Code.

Notice of this application was sent November 10, 1999 by first class mail to owners of record within 400 feet of the subject property and to the West End Civic Association and Peerless Rockville and mailed to Historic District Residents.  The Agenda for the HDC meeting of November 16, 1999 and staff report HDC99-0152 were also posted on the City Internet Web Page at www.ci.rockville.md.us.