CITY OF ROCKVILLE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
MARCH 16, 1999
MEETING NO: 3-99
APPLICATION: HDC99-0141
DATE FILED: February 23, 1999
APPLICANT: Norma Fagan, representing Rockville United Methodist Church,
Sponsor of the Montgomery Avenue Woman's Center, Inc. and contract owner. Building owner is Harry W. Goldberg.
DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY:
Address: 100 West Montgomery Avenue
Zone: R-90 (MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL)
Present Use: Boarding House
Proposed Use: Women's Day Resource Center
Age of Structure: Built in 1888, damaged by fire and rebuilt in 1945
Property is a Contributing Resource to the West Montgomery Avenue Historic District
RELATED OR PREVIOUS ACTIONS:
Historic District Review:
On October 20, 1998, the HDC reviewed the preliminary plans and proposed alterations to 100 W. Montgomery Avenue as a courtesy to the applicants. Suggestions were given to the applicant and architect, which have been carried though into this application. The minutes of the Courtesy Review are attached.
REQUEST:
The applicant requests approval to install a four-car bituminous and concrete parking lot (1 handicapped and 3 regular spaces) in the rear yard accessed from S. Adams Street, construction of an exterior three-level enclosed stairwell on the rear elevation, construction of a handicapped access ramp and sidewalk to the front door of the property, removal and storage of the ornamental iron fence, removal of two mulberry trees, replacement of the front (W. Montgomery Avenue) door with a handicapped accessible door.
STAFF COMMENTS/ RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of HDC99-0141 based on site visits of the property and neighboring environment, and appropriateness of the proposed design and material submitted by applicant.
The property is a contributing resource to the West Montgomery Avenue Historic District. A 1945 fire and subsequent removal of decorative towers, two-story open front porch and trims, and the application of cement/asbestos wood-grained shingles on the building have compromised the architectural value and significance. It is important as part of the oldest remaining pocket of residential structures left in Rockville dating from 1790 to about 1900 and the mass of the original building remains. The property is currently used as a boarding house and has not been highly maintained. The appearance and maintenance of this highly visible building on West Montgomery Avenue should be a major concern of the applicant and City.
2. The relationship of the exterior architectural features of the structure to the remainder of the entire structure and to the surrounding area
The alterations to the building and site are concentrated at the rear of the property, but are visible from South Adams Street, as the site is a corner lot. The proposed enclosed exterior stairwell will replace an existing open rear staircase and is required by code. The cladding of the stairwell is similar to the siding currently on the building and the addition is consistent with a previous addition on the east elevation. The shallow pitch of the staircase enclosure is consistent with the pitch of the shed-roof dormer on the south facade. The handicapped ramp/entry sidewalk and front door enlargement are also code requirements.
3. The general compatibility of exterior design, scale, proportion, arrangement, texture, and materials proposed to be used.
The proposed rear exterior stairwell is compatible in scale, design, proportion and arrangement and is the minimum necessary to comply with code. The exterior cementious siding material is consistent with the existing exterior siding on the building. The front door opening will not be altered, but a fixed side panel will be installed to accommodate a handicapped accessible door. The original double doors to the house have been replaced. The rear parking lot is the minimum necessary to meet parking requirements.
4. To any other factors, including aesthetic factors, which the Commission deems to be pertinent.
The trees to be removed are volunteer mulberry trees, which have no landscape value as specimens. The front porch area will be landscaped with shrubs and the grade of the front sidewalk will be raised to the approved 5% grade for handicapped accessibility. This will eliminate the need for a wood ramp with railings. The sidewalk will be brick to match the existing sidewalk and landscaping will flank it. Staff recommends that the front porch area receive new turned posts and pickets which reflect the style of the original building to soften the front. (See attached photograph)