Submitted: March 19, 2002
Approved: _______________

CITY OF ROCKVILLE
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
MINUTES

Wednesday, February 20, 2002
Meeting No. 02-2002

The City of Rockville Historic District Commission convened in regular session
in the Mayor and Council Chambers,

PRESENT
Elizabeth Rodgers, Chair
Andrea Hartranft
Anita Neal-Powell              Craig Moloney
Absent: Commissioner         Jeff Broadhurst

Staff: Judy Christensen, Preservation Planner; Cindy Kebba, Planner II

I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

January 15, 2002 (Meeting No. 01-2002)

Commissioner Rodgers requested that the discussion of future tree removal at Rockville Cemetery and the HDC’s role be included in the minutes.

MOTION: Commissioner Hartranft moved to approve the minutes of January 15, 2002 as amended. Commissioner Powell seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3-0-1 (Abstained: Moloney.)

II. EVALUATION FOR HISTORICAL, ARCHITECTURAL OR CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE:

A. 706 Rockville Pike (Simmons Building)

Staff noted that Commissioners Rodgers, Moloney and Broadhurst and staff planner Cindy Kebba visited the building on January 23, 2002 to inspect it and determine if it retains original integrity. Staff distributed written comments on the site visit from Commissioner Broadhurst who was absent from this meeting. Commissioner Broadhurst wrote that the walk-through supported his opinion gained from previous testimony and the MHT inventory form. The interior has been severely altered with little respect for the original fabric of the building. The stairway in the center hall is the only original element that seems easily salvageable. The exterior rear facade has had extensive additions and alterations. Commissioner Broadhurst wrote that it would be challenging at best to restore this building to a historically meaningful condition given its many interior and exterior modifications. He stated that in his opinion, it lacks the degree of integrity needed to recommend it for designation.

Commissioner Moloney said that he largely concurs with Commissioner Broadhurst’s comments. He said that although it was once a grand building, the 1950s front addition obscures all that is left of it and other additions further detract from it. Commissioner Rodgers stated that she also concurred with the comments made thus far and that restoration would be extremely difficult. Commissioner Hartranft added that the building has lost its context as the open land and residences that once lined the street are now all gone.

The commissioners evaluated the building using the City of Rockville Historic District Designation Criteria and determined that the level of significance is local and the condition of the structure is substantially altered. The site was found to meet only one criterion for historical and cultural significance: the house is identified with a person (Mrs. Offutt) who influenced society. It was not found to meet any criteria for architectural and design significance.

MOTION: Commissioner Powell moved to not recommend historic designation of 760 Rockville Pike, finding it ineligible for designation as it only meets one criterion as a single site historic district, and that it has been substantially altered and lacks integrity. Commissioner Hartranft seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3-0-1 (Abstained: Moloney [absent at the public hearing])

The current owner and the contract owner agreed to donate salvageable architectural elements to Old House Parts prior to demolition.

B. 117 South Van Buren Street

Planner Christensen said that this house was nominated for historic designation by the current owners, Harold and Ellen Pskowski. Ms. Christensen provided an overview of the house’s exterior with a PowerPoint presentation, which showed each façade as it now appears as well as photographs of the house as it was originally built. She said that the house originally fronted Great Falls Road and was set on approximately ten acres. South Van Buren Street functioned as a service alley for several residences. The house was built as a summer home for the Evans family in 1923 and at one time included a tennis court, gardens, and a small swimming pool. The land was eventually subdivided and developed with single family homes.

Planner Christensen stated that Consultant Gail Littlefield was hired to complete an MHT survey of the house. The inventory indicates that house is a large one and one-half story irregularly massed bungalow with front and side porches, cross-gable composition shingle roofs on the main house and front porch and a prominent gable dormer in front, split by a chimney. A pierced-brick low wall surrounds the front of the house. An asphalt driveway on the north side leads to a two-car carport. An asphalt parking pad leads to the front and side entrances on the south side. The original pebble-dash stucco exterior is covered in most places with vinyl siding.

The south elevation has been altered. A one-story hipped-roof porch has been enclosed and four double-hung windows installed. The north elevation also shows evidence of alteration. The front porch is enclosed and partly brought into the main house. The rear elevation was originally the front of the house. Groups of picture and other windows and variations in the foundation wall all indicate alterations.

The MHT form identified the primary significance of the property as demonstrating the expansion and development of Rockville in the 20th Century and its association with several significant Rockville families including the Prettymans, Evans, McCabes and Bouics. Although the house has been altered, its original front and rear facades were both designed with a large central dormer and a porch, likely because the rear façade on Van Buren was the easiest to approach and enter and functioned as a principal entrance. It retains the typical mass and features of popular craftsman-style architecture favored by Rockville’s up and coming middle class of the 1920s. The family name of Evans became the name of a neighborhood, a street, and a subdivision after the property was subdivided.

Commissioner Rodgers said that the property was also known as “Evans Farm” and asked the owners if any farm buildings remained. Mrs. Pskowski replied that there were no outbuildings or farm buildings. Mrs. Pskowski also said that they were fortunate to learn about the property’s history from the original owner’s grandson, Richard Evans, who visited his grandparents there in the summers when he was a child. They obtained more information during a visit from Sheila McCabe Hagan who had grown up in the house in the 1940s and 1950s. The Bouic’s grandson now lives next door and had lived at 117 South Van Buren with his family in the 1960s.

The Pskowskis purchased the house from the Whalen family in 1990. They said that they would like to restore the exterior of the house eventually and remove the aluminum siding. They have restored some of the wood floors inside the house.

MOTION: Commissioner Hartranft moved to close the record for the evaluation for historical, architectural or cultural significance of 117 South Van Buren Street at the close of business on March 1, 2002. Commissioner Moloney seconded the motion.
VOTE: 4-0

III. APPLICATIONS FOR CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL

A. HDC02-0208

Applicant: Tina McKendree for Stepping Stones Shelter
Address: 1070 Copperstone Court
Request: Replace windows, repair eaves, soffits and door frames

Planner Kebba stated that she had spoken with several staff members at the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) about this issue since the last meeting, including Richard Brand (Technical assistance Coordinator), Elizabeth Cole (Administrator, Project Review and Compliance) and Andrew Lewis (Project Review and Compliance). She was told that the MHT encourages investigation of all possible solutions. The preferred outcome would be to retain the original windows and strip the lead paint, followed by replacement with all-wood windows. The MHT would not recommend vinyl windows or aluminum clad windows.Planner Christensen requested that Alan Hepler (Senior Planner, Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs) provide a copy of the grant requirements and a copy of the Act that went into effect on September 1, 2001 which stipulates that lead abatement be completed in order to receive funds. There was discussion about how the shelter is classified by the Maryland Department of the Environment as staff had been told that the regulations only apply to rental housing and that a shelter does not qualify. Alan Hepler stated that it is considered rental housing for the purpose of requiring lead abatement. The Applicant (Tina McKendree, Executive Director of Stepping Stones Shelter) agreed to write a letter to the Maryland Historical Trust. The letter will outline the difficulties the shelter is encountering in trying to come up with a workable solution for removing the lead hazard from the windows without incurring higher costs than they have funding for or damaging the structure. The letter will also include what the shelter considers to be acceptable solutions. Staff will send this letter along with a packet of information to include pictures, estimates and proposals for window replacement to the MHT as soon as possible to encourage a quick response.

Mr. Hepler stated that the funds that the shelter has received from HUD must be spent by September 31, 2002.

MOTION: Commissioner Hartranft moved to continue application HDC02-0208 to the HDC meeting on March 19, 2002 to allow time for the MHT to render a recommendation. Commissioner Moloney seconded the motion.
VOTE: 4-0

B. HDC02-0209

Applicant: Morton J. Frome
Address: 109 North Adams Street
Request: Retroactive approval to install sign in front yard

Planner Kebba stated that the Inspection Services Division alerted the preservation staff that a sign had been installed in a historic district without a sign permit from the City or a Certificate of Approval from the HDC. Staff informed the property owner of the procedures for applying for a Certificate of Approval when work is to be done within the historic districts and sent him an application. Staff stated that one neighbor, Sarah Lundgren, had called the preservation office to inquire about the issue and to find out if it entailed expansion of the Adams Law Center. Staff informed her that the issue only had to do with the sign at 109 North Adams.

Planner Kebba presented the staff report and described the sign. She said that staff recommends approval of the sign as it meets the specifications of the City of Rockville Sign Ordinance and the HDC’s Guidelines for Historic Property Owners. She did say that overall, North Adams Street is best suited for affixed or hanging “lawyers’ shingle” signs whereas free-standing signs are generally more appropriate along West Montgomery Avenue, Courthouse Square and Church Street. The design of this particular sign is in keeping with the exterior architectural features of the structure and surrounding area, however, and is not obtrusive.

MOTION: Commissioner Moloney moved to retroactively approve application HDC02-0209. Commissioner Hartranft seconded the motion.
VOTE: 4-0

IV. APPLICATIONS FOR MONTGOMERY COUNTY TAX CREDITS

A. TXC02-0210

Applicant: Thomas and Rita Wagner
Address: 201 West Montgomery Avenue
Request: Tax credit eligibility determination

Staff stated that Mr. and Mrs. Wagner request tax credit eligibility determination for exterior painting. This work is fully eligible and receipts total $19,950.00.

MOTION: Commissioner Powell moved to recommend that application TXC02-0210 be forwarded to the Montgomery County Department of Finance for tax credit disposition, finding that the exterior repairs and painting meet the criteria for the Montgomery County tax credit. Commissioner Hartranft seconded the motion.
VOTE: 4-0

B. TXC02-0211

Applicant: Maureen Prettyman
Address: 318 West Montgomery Avenue
Request: Tax credit eligibility determination

Staff stated that Mrs. Prettyman requests tax credit eligibility for installation of aluminum gutters, chimney restoration, reventing the furnace to bring up to code, and replacing the sewer pipe from the house to the street. Staff reported that all items are eligible with the exception of the sewer pipe. In addition, staff said that replacement of two Vermont slate roof shingles are eligible but were not included in the total on the application. Staff concluded that eligible receipts total $10,440.00.

MOTION: Commissioner Hartranft moved to recommend that application TXC02-0211 be forwarded to the Montgomery County Department of Finance for tax credit disposition, finding that the work, with the exception of the sewer pipe replacement, meets the criteria for the Montgomery County tax credit. Commissioner Hartranft seconded the motion.
VOTE: 4-0

V. COURTESY REVIEW

Tim Sonley, contract purchaser of 107 North Adams Street, presented plans for an addition to the house as a courtesy review. He said that the house was previously used for law offices but is now vacant. He said that a building inspection found that the house is mostly structurally sound; although it suffers from powder post beetle and termite infestation, code deficiencies, settling problems, asbestos and lead paint. His intention is to extend the rear of the house 5 to 8 feet and enlarge and enclose the side porch. The addition would match the appearance of the original house in design and materials. He plans to extend the screened porch on the side of the house by a foot or two and enclose it to create additional interior work space. The front porch is starting to pull away from the house and parts of it are rotting. Mr. Sonley plans to replace portions of it or, if necessary, rebuild it.

Commissioner Moloney stated that the HDC’s preference would be to retain as much of the original structure as possible and only replace elements that are beyond repair. He added that the overall proposal seems appropriate and he liked the idea of enclosing the screened porch with glass to keep the porch appearance but make the space more functional. He said that the rear elevation should provide for some attenuation to break up the façade and separate the new from the old.

The commissioners agreed that Mr. Sonley’s concept for the addition is acceptable and stated that they look forward to working with him on the detailed plans.

VI. DISCUSSION /UPDATES

325 Lincoln Avenue: Planner Christensen stated that demolition of the house at 325 Lincoln Avenue had been proposed because it is a candidate for the County’s home replacement program. The house was built in 1922, according to the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation, and is currently vacant. The house is situated on a 9,000-square foot narrow, deep lot. It is a two-story vernacular Victorian cottage with a tin roof and an open front porch. It is located next door to one of the oldest houses in Lincoln Park (Ella Martin’s house) and is within the likely boundaries of the Lincoln Park Historic District if this district becomes designated in the future. Staff does not have a history of the house and it is not in the City’s historic buildings inventory.

The HDC instructed staff to hire a consultant to complete a history on the house so that an evaluation could proceed.

Buckingham Property on West Montgomery Avenue: The HDC enquired about the density, setback, and size of the houses in the proposed single-family residential development and expressed concern regarding its impact on the West Montgomery Avenue streetscape. It was noted that the State of Maryland and the City of Rockville have invested a great deal of time and money in the preservation of this street as a Victorian era street which experienced further development in the first half of the 20th Century. The HDC directed staff to prepare a letter to the Planning Commission and the Mayor and Council on their behalf and circulate it to the Commission before submitting it. The Commission also asked to view the plans for the development at the next HDC meeting.

VII. COMMITTEE/ ORGANIZATION REPORTS

Lincoln Park Historical Society – Anita Neal Powell, President of the Lincoln Park Historical Society, attended the Anacostia Museum’s open house and grand opening. She said that Commissioner Andrea Hartranft designed the lighting for the museum. She also attended the Maryland Heritage Alliance legislative breakfast in Annapolis on February 7. Ms. Powell gave a talk at the Department of Health and Humans Services, entitled “A Taste of Black History” on February 20. The LPHS is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, which will be celebrated on May 19. A Gospel Ride to Freedom bus tour is scheduled for February 23 and will visit several of the City’s historic sites including the Beall-Dawson house, Jerusalem Church, the Crutchfield house, and Lincoln Park high School.

Peerless Rockville – Eileen McGuckian, Executive Director, distributed information pertaining to Peerless Rockville’s 2002 calendar of events including a story telling, “The Josiah Henson Story”, to be performed by Bus Howard on May 8 along with a tour of 1850 Rockville, and a reenactment of Jeb Stuart’s visit to Rockville to be held on June 2.

IX. ADJOURN

The meeting was adjourned at 10:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
HDC staff liaisons
Judy Christensen and Cindy Kebba