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Submitted:
June 19, 2001
Approved: ___________
CITY OF
ROCKVILLE
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
MINUTES
Tuesday,
May 15, 2001
Meeting No. 05-2001
The City of Rockville Historic District Commission convened in regular session
at City Hall, 111 Maryland Avenue,
7:00 PM
PRESENT
Andrea Hartranft, Chairperson
Craig Moloney Anita Neal-Powell
Beth Rodgers Jeff Broadhurst
Staff:
Judy Christensen, Preservation Planner, Cynthia Kebba, Planner II
I. APPROVAL
OF MINUTES
MOTION: Commissioner
Moloney moved to approve the minutes of the HDC meeting of April 17, 2001
as submitted. Commissioner Rodgers seconded the motion.
VOTE: 5-0
MOTION: Commissioner
Broadhurst moved to approve the minutes of the HDC meeting of April 17,
2001 as submitted. Commissioner Rodgers seconded the motion.
VOTE: 5-0
II. EVALUATIONS
FOR HISTORICAL, ARCHITECTURAL, OR CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
A. 731 West
Montgomery Avenue
Planner Christensen stated that notices of the HDC evaluation were sent via
first class mail to owners of record within _ mile of the property, appropriate
citizen’s associations and other interested parties and that the agenda
for the meeting was posted on the City’s web page. Ms. Christensen said
that the Seventh Day Adventist Church recently sold the property and that the
HDC had postponed a decision on this evaluation last month so that the new owner
could be identified and notified. Staff was unable to obtain the name of the
new owner as the church would not release the information and it is not yet
recorded in the state property assessment files. Ms. Christensen recommended
that the HDC make a decision as their evaluation should be independent of the
property’s ownership. Chair Hartranft asked for staff to repeat their recommendation
from the staff report and Ms. Christensen stated that staff recommended that
731 W. Montgomery Avenue is eligible for designation as a contributing resource
to a historic district, but that it does not meet the criteria for a single
site Historic District (Landmark) in accordance with the adopted criteria.
Commissioner Moloney said that there is a high standard to be met for single
site designation. This property’s location does serve as a gateway into
Rockville but the structure is not unique or singular. Chair Hartranft expressed
concern that the house could be demolished if designation were not recommended.
Ms. Christensen stated that, because it is more than 50 years old, a demolition
request would be flagged and sent to the preservation office before being approved.
The HDC would then have an opportunity to meet with the owner and possibly negotiate
alternatives to demolition. Commissioner Hartranft asked if the HDC could require
that documentation on the house be completed before a demolition. Ms Christensen
stated that staff completed the history of the property but that more photographs
could be taken and included in the documentation. Commissioner Moloney stated
that neighbors would be more likely to come out and comment at a hearing for
a demolition than for historic designation.
MOTION: Commissioner Rodgers moved that the house at 731 West Montgomery Avenue does not meet the criteria for single site historic designation but that it does meet the criteria as a contributing resource to a future multi-site historic district. Commissioner Neal-Powell seconded the motion.
VOTE: 5-0
B. Rockville
Cemetery, 1350 Baltimore Road
Planner Christensen stated that the HDC advertised and held a public hearing
on the significance of Rockville Cemetery to the City of Rockville on April
17, 2001. In addition to the comments and testimony at the hearing, two additional
comments were received before the record closed on May 1, 2001. Written comments
were received on April 25, 2001 from Henry and Fae Baker of 407 Anderson Avenue.
The Bakers stated that they were in favor of designation. They wrote that “this
cemetery is a landmark for the City and a very beautiful spot. A lot of history
there, but a disgrace right now the way it looks. Would like to see it maintained
and cleaned up to see more lots and kept that way.”
Dorothy M. Rieck of 305 Carr Avenue wrote that she had lived in her house in
Rockville for 43 years. She wrote, “Many of the residents who are buried
in Rockville Cemetery are the original founders of Rockville and they played
a major role in the development of the City and, as such, should be receiving
better care of their burial sites.” Ms. Rieck’s comments were received
on April 26, 2001.
Ms. Christensen presented a staff analysis that recommended that Rockville Cemetery
be found eligible for designation as a single site (Landmark) Rockville Historic
District in accordance with the adopted criteria. Staff concurred with the nominators
that the cemetery is unique to and in Rockville and is the oldest burying ground
in the City. It was also found significant as an example of the rural cemetery
movement of the 1880s and for the many individuals who were prominent in Rockville
and Montgomery County history who are buried there. The site was recommended
as having local and state significance and meets nine of the twelve historic
district designation criteria, including:
Historical
and cultural Significance
Architectural
and Design Significance
Chair Hartranft
asked for comments from the HDC. Commissioner Moloney said that Rockville Cemetery
is a charming place with many recognizable names from Rockville. He stated that
it is in surprisingly good condition despite the reports he has heard. Chair
Hartranft said that it is a wonderful place to bring children to teach them
about the history of the area because so many of the names are ones they recognize
from streets and buildings where they live.
Commissioner Rodgers said that she has four generations of her family buried
at Rockville Cemetery and she has been able to learn much about her own family
history by visiting the cemetery.
MOTION: Commissioner Moloney moved to recommend Rockville Cemetery to the Mayor and Council for designation as a single site historic district, finding that it meets the criteria cited in the staff analysis. Commissioner Rodgers seconded the motion.
VOTE: 5-0
C. Haiti
Cemetery, 205 Martin’s Lane
Staff presented the staff report and concurred with the nominators that Haiti
Cemetery meets a number of criteria for designation as a single site (Landmark)
Rockville Historic District.
Planner Christensen said that notices of the HDC evaluation were sent via first
class mail to adjacent and confronting property owners, Citizen’s Associations
and other interested parties on April 12, 2001 and again on May 8, 2001. The
agenda for the evaluation meeting was also posted on the City’s web page.
She stated that no additional comments were received between the public hearing
on April 17 and the closing of the record on May 1, 2001.
Staff concurs that Haiti Cemetery is the oldest black burying ground in the
City and one of the few private burial grounds left. The cemetery is significant
as an example of the social conditions and segregation policies of the last
two centuries that prevented African Americans from burying their family members
in established public or religious cemeteries. The cemetery was established
as a private family burial ground in the rear yard of a house lot on Martin's
Lane in the 19th Century. The earliest known burial dates to 1889 and Snowden
Funeral Home has good records of later burials. Many individuals who were prominent
in Rockville and Montgomery County history are buried at Haiti Cemetery, including
Adam Powell, George W. Johnson, William Wood, and Tom Meades. All of these people
were influential and significant both to the black community and to Rockville.
Haiti Cemetery
was recommended by staff as meeting the following seven criteria:
Architectural
and Design Significance
MOTION: Commissioner
Neal-Powell moved to recommend Haiti Cemetery to the Mayor and Council for
designation as a single site historic district, finding that it meets the
criteria cited in the staff report. Commissioner Broadhurst seconded the
motion.
VOTE: 5-0
.
III. APPLICATIONS
FOR MONTGOMERY COUNTY TAX CREDIT
A. TXC01-0189
Applicant: Robert and Hilary Hoopes
Address: 400 W. Montgomery Avenue
Request: Tax credit eligibility determination
Action: Approve or deny
Planner Kebba
said that she had reviewed the Hoopes’ submission and found it eligible
for the Montgomery County historic preservation tax refund program. Proof of
payment was also submitted.
MOTION: Commissioner Moloney moved to approve the tax credit and refer
it to Montgomery County for a property tax refund of 10% of eligible expenses.
Commissioner Neal-Powell seconded the motion.
VOTE: 5-0
IV. APPLICATIONS
FOR CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL
A. HDC01-0186
Applicant: Division One, Ali Honarkar for the Begines family
Address: 216 W. Montgomery Avenue
Request: Front façade changes
Action: Approve or deny
Planner Kebba
stated that 216 West Montgomery Avenue is a non-contributing resource in the
West Montgomery Avenue Historic District. It is surrounded by contributing structures
of historic and architectural value.
Planner Kebba showed the existing front façade of the contemporary Georgian
at 216 West Montgomery Avenue that was built in 1985-86. The front elevation
is plain and adds little to the architectural interest of the house or surrounding
area.
Proposed façade changes were presented to the HDC through courtesy reviews
in February and March 2000. At the last courtesy review, the HDC expressed concern
about a square shed-roofed central dormer because it is not typical of a Georgian-style
house. The applicant has removed the window but retained the balustrade.
The proposed façade changes include a two-story 5’7” deep enclosed
portico with second-story windows. An open porch will extend 3’10”
beyond the portico and new stairs with iron railings will extend another 6’11”.
The addition will be 11’10” at its widest point. Headers, sills, and
new shutters will be added to existing windows on the front façade.
The proposed portico addition includes second story windows on the front and
sides which makes the portico appear less massive. The color was also changed
from white to a cream shade at the last courtesy review to blend with the trim
of the house.
Planner Kebba stated that, according to Rockville’s “Guidelines for
Historic Property Owners”, well-proportioned additions that are compatible
with the original structure are desirable. Additions generally should follow
rooflines, trim lines, material and massing of the main block. They should not
visually overpower the original house. This is a non-contributing resource within
a historic district, therefore, it is not subject to the same level of review
as a contributing resource would be.
Staff recommended approval of the façade changes based on the Secretary
of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, Number 9, which states
that contemporary design for alterations and additions to existing properties
shall not be discouraged when such alterations and additions do not destroy
significant historical, architectural, or cultural materials and such design
is compatible with the size, scale, color, material, and character of the property,
neighborhood, or environment.
Following the presentation of the staff report, Mr. Honarkar, the applicant,
spoke to the HDC and showed additional images of the proposed changes and a
3-dimensional model of the house with the proposed facade changes.
Commissioner Rodgers asked about the color of the balustrade and Mr. Honarkar
replied that it would be black to match the stair railings.
Commissioner Broadhurst inquired about the materials to be used for the window
sills and heads and for the stairs. Mr. Honarkar stated that the window sills
and heads would be pre-fab fiberglass and the stair treads would be slate with
brick risers.
Commissioner Broadhurst commented that the proposed window changes help to continue
the vertical emphasis of the new entry. He felt that the balustrade will be
visually insignificant as proposed, however, and needs to be more pronounced.
He said that the black metal railing is not a traditional type of balustrade
and he would prefer a lighter color.
Commissioner Moloney said that he understood Commissioner Broadhurst’s
concerns. He suggested pulling the railing back to be even with the addition
and defining the corners better, perhaps with a larger post or caps. He stated
that he did not have a problem with the black color. He asked about the diameter
of the columns and Mr. Honarkar said they would be 12-inch columns.
Chair Hartranft stated that she liked how the balustrade breaks up the façade.
She asked if there would be any access to it and Mr. Honarkar replied that it
would be decorative only.
MOTION: Commissioner Moloney moved, seconded by Commissioner Neal-Powell, to approve HDC01-0186 with the following conditions:
1. The iron balustrade should be pulled back to be flush with the addition, and
2. The balustrade should include heavier detailing at the corners for emphasis.
VOTE: 5-0
B. HDC01-0188
Applicants: Lew Hages and Gerard Boquel
Address: 215 Autumn Wind Way
Request: Exterior changes to sun porch
Action: Approve or deny
Planner Kebba
presented the staff report and stated that Rose Hill Mansion is located at 215
Autumn Wind Way in the new Rose Hill subdivision. The site consists of 2.63
acres that includes the mansion and a 66-foot contiguous right-of-way, Rose
Petal Way.
Ms. Kebba summarized the history of Rose Hill Farm, part of a farm purchased
by Lewis Beall and Eliza Wootton Beall in 1807. The original portion of the
present house was likely built in the 1830-1849 period. Eliza married John Mines,
a Presbyterian minister and principal of the Rockville Academy, after the death
of Lewis Beall. After Eliza’s death, John Mines married Mary Dunlop who
continued to live at Rose Hill with her sister after Mines’ death. Dr.
Dexter Bullard and his wife Anne purchased the property in 1935 and extensively
remodeled and modernized the house. The Bullard family founded Chestnut Lodge
hospital on the site immediately to the north in 1909 and pioneered a method
of institutional mental health treatment in the U.S. They lived at Rose Hill
until 1995.
The house and treed driveway vista from Great Falls Road have been a landmark
and familiar visual feature of Rockville for many years. The site was rezoned
from R-S zone to R-S historic district in December 2000.
The applicants request approval to remove aluminum frame and glass sliding patio
doors from the sun porch. They would like to install a new solid wall clad with
Dry-vit, Pella wood windows, and a single fixed glass door on the east façade
and a combination of fixed Pella wood framed doors and operable doors on other
facades of the sun porch. Rotted fascia boards will be replaced. The proposed
windows and doors are Pella double-glazed wood framed, from the Architect Series.
.
The exterior appearance of the renovated sun porch will be similar to the existing
view. The major change is the full set of sliding doors on the east side of
the porch will be replaced with a solid wall, a single fixed floor to ceiling
window and a pair of standard windows. The applicants wish to do this to eliminate
a view of an electrical box and utility meters from within the porch. The view
of the porch from the outside is screened by boxwoods and is not highly visible
from the right-of-way.
The sun porch appears to be a later addition although the exact construction
date is unknown. The foundation is brick rather than fieldstone as used for
the main house and the flooring is radiant heat, now inoperable. Architects
hired by the applicants believe it was probably built after 1960.
Staff recommended approval of the replacement doors/windows and replacement
of rotted fascia boards on the sun porch at 215 Autumn Wind Way. According to
the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, Number 9,
which states that: Contemporary design for alterations and additions to existing
properties shall not be discouraged when such alterations and additions do not
destroy significant historical, architectural, or cultural materials, and such
design is compatible with the size, scale, color, material, and character of
the property, neighborhood, or environment.
Mr. Hages, one of the applicants, stated that they would like to turn the sun
porch into useable space. He said that the sliding doors are failing and the
radiant heat under the brick floor does not function. They have no plans to
remove the floor.
Commissioner Broadhurst remarked that he thought it was a wonderful idea to
incorporate the room into the house and make it functional. He noted that there
is one additional significant difference between the existing design and that
proposed. He said that the head heights of the proposed glass doors are 14 to
16 inches shorter than the current doors, resulting in the need for that many
inches of dry-vit between the glass and the entablature. He would prefer that
the replacement doors be the same size as the existing to avoid bringing the
heads down and filling in with a new material.
Commissioner Moloney concurred with Commissioner Broadhurst. He also said that
the proportion of the smaller casement windows does not complement the east
façade.
The applicants responded to the HDC’s remarks. They stated that the ceiling
on the sun porch needed to be dropped to accommodate heat and air conditioning
ducts since the radiant floor heating was inoperable. Baseboard heat was not
a solution as French doors open on two sides. Several alternatives were proposed
and discussed.
Margaret Osgood, an architect and member of the audience, suggested that the
duct work could be contained in a dropped ceiling that is pulled away from the
perimeter of the room. This would permit the windows to continue to be the same
height, yet solve the heating and air conditioning problem.
The HDC suggested that the applicant's architect restudy the design in an effort
to allow taller windows taller while accommodating heating, air conditioning,
and lighting. The HDC asked the applicants if they would be willing to grant
a time extension to resolve the problems. The HDC stated that they would be
willing to hold a special meeting prior to the next scheduled HDC meeting to
help achieve the applicants’ timetable. The applicants agreed to a time
extension.
MOTION: Commissioner Rodgers moved to continue HDC01-0188 at a special meeting to be held as soon as the applicants and their architect can rework the sun porch design to incorporate the HDC’s recommendations on window height. Commissioner Broadhurst seconded the motion.
VOTE: 5-0
C. HDC01-0190
Applicant: Margaret Osgood, representing Rockville United Methodist Church
Address: 111 W. Jefferson Street
Request: Changes to enclosed porch
Action: Approve or deny
Planner Kebba
identified the location of the building. She stated that it was built in 1869
and is the oldest church parsonage remaining in Rockville. It faces south on
West Jefferson Street and is adjacent to the Rockville United Methodist Church
and to the Old Baptist Cemetery. The main block of the frame house is L-shaped,
2 _ stories, four bay over two bay over a fieldstone foundation. The house features
a central brick chimney with an asphalt-covered cross-gabled roof. It is a vernacular
structure with details such as bracketed eaves, window and door trim of the
Italianate style. It has front and rear porches. A 2 _ story rectangular addition
that harmonizes with the main building is located on the north side of the house.
To the east of this section is a large, two-story porch on brick piers with
lattice detail. The house is a contributing resource in the West Montgomery
Avenue Historic District.
Planner Kebba stated that the Applicant requests a Certificate of Approval to
remodel a second floor sleeping porch into an office. Work will include replacement
of sliding wood windows with similar fixed windows, addition of electrical circuits,
and insulation of two walls below the windows. The exterior appearance will
not be affected.
The porch is located on the rear (north) side of the house but is visible from
Jefferson Street. It abuts the church’s parking lot to the north and a
driveway on the east. According to the submitted application, no changes will
be made to the first floor of the porch. New window frames on the east and north
walls and new sliding windows will be wood and will match existing. Other changes,
including additional electrical outlets and a new ceiling light, are interior
changes.
Staff recommended approval of HDC01-0190 based on the Secretary of the Interior’s
Standards for Rehabilitation, Number 6, which states that: Deteriorated architectural
features shall be repaired rather than replaced, whenever possible. In the event
replacement is necessary, the new material should match the material being replaced
in composition, design, color, texture, and other visual qualities. Repair or
replacement of missing architectural features should be based on accurate duplication
of features, substantiated by historic, physical, or pictorial evidence rather
than on conjectural designs or the availability of different architectural elements
from other buildings or structures.
The Applicant, Margaret Osgood, stated that the vertical siding on the porch
is rotting and that it does not match the rest of the house. She also said that
the windows on the porch have flat sills and that they are deteriorated from
water damage. She said that the house was rejuvenated in 1991 and much of the
siding on the north side of the house was replaced then. She said that the building
is used to house six formerly homeless men who are now working and saving money
to eventually obtain their own housing.
Ms. Osgood said that Sam Tillery, director of the program at 111 W. Jefferson,
would like to screen the first floor of the rear porch to provide a place for
the men to congregate in warm weather. This item was not included in the application
and was added as an amendment. In addition, Ms. Osgood requested approval for
an air conditioning unit that would be located in an inconspicuous location
through the knee wall on the north façade (rear) of the house. This request
was also accepted as an amendment to the application.
Ms. Osgood said that they intend to have the replacement windows custom-made
to match those that are there now and that they will keep the vertical siding
on the porch.
Chair Hartranft asked for comments on the application from the HDC. Commissioner
Broadhurst expressed appreciation that the applicant would be duplicating the
current look of the porch by using the same materials for replacements and making
repairs where possible. He said that installing the air conditioning unit on
the north façade where it would be visible from the church parking lot
but not from the right-of-way would be acceptable. He also said that it would
be fairly easy to enclose the lower portion of the porch extension with large
screen panels that were not a structural installation and could be removed without
damage if necessary.
Chair Hartranft advised the applicant to be wary of fluorescent lighting inside
the renovated porch. She said that, although the HDC does not have authority
over interior changes, fluorescent lighting will change the look of the room
from the outside and she suggested that the applicant consider other types of
lighting that would be more subtle.
Commissioner Moloney asked the applicant to verify that vertical siding will
remain on the porch and also recommended insulating the floor and ceiling. The
applicant did affirm that the vertical siding would be continued on the exterior
of the porch. She said that the lower half of the porch does not have a ceiling,
but insulation could probably be added with a finished ceiling because fascia
board wraps around the exterior of the porch and a new ceiling would not be
visible from the street.
Commissioner Moloney said that he liked the idea of the screened porch but he
would like to be sure that the railing is preserved.
MOTION: Commissioner Moloney moved, seconded by Commissioner Broadhurst, to approve HDC01-0190 with the following conditions:
1. The vertical siding must be preserved on the porch exterior;
2. Replacement windows will be wood with insulated glazing and will incorporate interior and exterior bonded grilles.
3. Screening panels added to the first story of the porch will not impact the existing railing;
4. The air conditioning unit will be installed in an inconspicuous location on the north façade and will be painted to match the siding.
VOTE: 5-0
VII. COMMITTEE/
ORGANIZATION REPORTS
Lincoln Park Historical Society-
LPHS representative Anita Neal-Powell stated there would be a press release
later this month regarding the African American historical map, which will be
released on June 11. June 30 is Lincoln Park Community Day, an opportunity to
celebrate Lincoln Park’s 110th anniversary. The event will be organized
by residents and co-sponsored by local churches and the HDC. It will be held
at the Lincoln Park Community Center. On July 7 there will be a walking tour
and on July 8 there will be a riding bus tour which will visit Sugarland, Martinsburg,
and other UpCounty sites.
Peerless
Rockville–
Maizie Cummings reported for Peerless Rockville. On April 6 and 7 Peerless Rockville
displayed an exhibit titled "Rockville Celebrates V-J Day" in the
lobby of the F. Scott Fitzgerald auditorium as part of Home School Talents,
Inc.'s end of the year student presentations. 600 people attended the two-day
program from around the county.
Ms. Cummings said that Rockville Cemetery has submitted Articles of Incorporation,
which have been accepted by the State of Maryland. Peerless looks forward to
being involved, along with several other organizations, the City, and individuals,
in revitalizing the cemetery. On May 16, 2001, Peerless will host Marriott Community
Service Day to clean up Rockville Cemetery. On June 8, 2001, at 6:00 p.m., Peerless
will lead a tour of Rockville Cemetery. Interested persons are encouraged to
call Peerless at 301/762-0096. This is a free event and a good will offering
is encouraged. The tour begins at Avery Road and Baltimore, near the entrance
to Rockville Cemetery.
On April 28, 2001, Peerless Rockville hosted the first of four continuing education
seminars for the Peerless Rockville Docent Program. Tony Cohen led 30 participants
on a tour that discussed the Underground Rail Road. Nina Clarke then spoke of
her experience with segregated education in Montgomery County. Her talk was
video taped for the Peerless Rockville Research Library.
On April 29, 2001, Peerless Rockville made its first appearance at Rockville
Science Day at Montgomery Community College with displays on the 1914 typhoid
epidemic, William Henry Holmes, Herman Hollerith, and William Surgi's contribution
to the 1998 expedition to locate the USS Yorktown (CV-5). 1300 people attended
this popular event.
On May 14, 2001, the Mayor & Council and Peerless Rockville presented the
2001 Historic Preservation Awards. East Rockville Civic Association and the
City of Rockville received an award for the creation of Grandin Park, Lincoln
Park Historical Society was recognized for its "Footprints" program,
Seneca Valley Sugarloafers Volksmarch Club for its 5 & 10 kilometer"
New Millennium Walk in Historic Rockville" and the HDC was recognized for
its "Explore Rockville" walking tour. The first Arthur Wagman Award
was presented to Rockville Gazette Editor, Judy Hruz, for her work on documenting
Rockville. May 13-19,2001 was declared National Historic Preservation Week in
Rockville by the Mayor & Council.
May 19 is the annual Peerless Progressive Dinner. The next day, Peerless will
host a thank you reception for volunteers and others involved with the Progressive
Dinner in the Carnation Room at the Rockville Senior Center. Upcoming events
include a tour for Gaithersburg Newcomers Club on May 23, 2001 and historic
tours at 4, 5 & 6pm during Rockville's Hometown Holidays Celebration.
June 12, 2001 is the Annual Meeting of Peerless Rockville. The guest speaker
is Isabelle Gournay, who will talk about Architectural History and its Social
Relevance. This is the second of four seminars as part of the PR Docent Program's
continuing education series and is open to everyone. The event is 7:30-9:30
p.m., with a reception to follow.
Peerless will again be participating in Montgomery County History Tours on Saturday
& Sunday, July 7 & 8.
Montgomery
County Historical Society–
Deferred due to conflict with dedication of Jane C. Sween Memorial Library.
Staff Updates-
The HDC agreed to help produce a brochure for the Lincoln Park Historical Society’s
history tour. Staff will also produce a flyer on the facts of historic designation
to be distributed to neighborhoods in the City via neighborhood coordinators.
The flyer will be used to help educate the public about what designation means,
how it is accomplished and what the benefits and responsibilities are.
On Saturday July 7, The City will distribute tour booklets and City of Rockville
maps at City Hall as participants in Montgomery County History Day.
VIII. ADJOURN
There being
no further business to come before this meeting of the City of Rockville Historic
District Commission; the meeting was adjourned at 9:52 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Kebba
HDC Staff Liaison