Submitted: August 20, 2002
Approved: ___________

CITY OF ROCKVILLE
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
MINUTES

Tuesday, July 16, 2002
Meeting No. 07-2002

The City of Rockville Historic District Commission convened in regular session
in the Mayor and Council Chambers,Rockville City Hall, 111 Maryland Avenue, at 7:10 PM

PRESENT
Elizabeth Rodgers, Chair
Andrea Hartranft
Jeff Broadhurst

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

Absent: Craig Moloney, Commissioner

I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

June 18, 2002 (Meeting No. 06-2002)

MOTION: Commissioner Broadhurst moved to approve the minutes of June 18, 2002. Commissioner Hartranft seconded the motion.
VOTE: 4-0

II. CONTINUATION OF THE EVALUATION FOR HISTORICAL, ARCHITECTURAL OR CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE:

A. Buckingham Property (522 West Montgomery Avenue)

Planner Christensen stated that staff recommends that the HDC find the property at 522 West Montgomery Avenue eligible for inclusion in the West Montgomery Avenue Historic District based on its contribution to the agricultural history of Rockville and its association with the two veterinarians that served Rockville in the 20th Century, Dr. Chauncey Grubb and Dr. Richard Buckingham and their families.

Ms. Christensen said that the history of the property had been described at the June 18, 2002 HDC meeting, and that Richard Buckingham had provided additional details about the structures and the history. Ms. Christensen stated that this house is to be demolished in the present residential development plan and the City’s Environmental Guidelines require that any structure 50 years of age or older must be evaluated for historic, architectural or cultural significance before demolition. She noted that the house is 88 years old and the hospital was built in 1931. The age of the shed is unknown.

Ms. Christensen reviewed the staff report. She said the property environment is notable for the mature evergreen trees that mark the property boundaries, rolling lawn, and mature trees and shrubs. Although the oldest part of the house is identifiable on the east end of the present structure, as a whole, the house has been modified by many additions that alter the original massing of the house. The house was stuccoed to unify the many exterior finishes and additions over the years.

Historically, Ms. Christensen stated that the property was part of the Julius West farm in the 19th Century and then sold as 29+ acres to John Phillip Mulfinger. Mulfinger sold off portions of his property to various parties. This parcel was eventually purchased in 1914 by Dr. Chauncey and Emelia Grubb, a veterinarian and his wife, who set up a farm animal practice in Rockville and built the original house around 1914.

Richard Buckingham Sr. was the son of Dr. David Buckingham, the first licensed veterinarian in D.C. Dr. Richard Buckingham followed his father into the field and his father and mother purchased the property at 522 West Montgomery from Dr. Grubb in 1938 for Richard’s practice. Dr. Buckingham originally had a large animal (farm) practice, but as farming declined in the area, he turned to small animal practice utilizing the hospital. After the death of his wife, Rose Williams Buckingham, and Dr. Buckingham in 1993, the property was held by his heirs until sold in 2001.

Ms. Christensen said that Erica Leatham, an attorney with Holland and Knight representing Wycliffe LLC, an affiliate of Elm Street Development, had spoken at the June meeting and stated that her client has filed an exploratory application for the PRU development that also includes two lots owned by Mr. Baker and Mr. Yates. Ms. Leatham had stated that the existing house does not meet any of the criteria for designation and it is not visible from the public way. She had stated that Wycliffe, LCC / Elm Street Development does not oppose historic designation of the three lots that will front West Montgomery Avenue, but does oppose designation of the remainder of the property. She argued that any development on the site would be subject to HDC review anyway because it is contiguous to the West Montgomery Avenue Historic District. Ms. Leatham submitted written testimony prior to the record closing on July 1, 2002.

Jeff White, a resident of Calvert Road immediately south of the Buckingham property, had been the only other speaker at the June meeting. He had objected to the trend of huge houses on small lots that have recently been built in the area. He urged the HDC to designate the entire site.

Staff concluded that the property at 522 West Montgomery Avenue should be found eligible for inclusion in the West Montgomery Avenue Historic District and be recommended to the Mayor and Council for legal designation. The site has historic significance in its reflection of the development and decline of the agricultural industry in Rockville. It is associated with two veterinarians in the 20th Century, Dr. Chauncey Grubb and Dr. Richard Buckingham. The house itself is not a familiar landmark, as it is not visible from the public way. It has been altered by many additions over the years and would be difficult to restore to original condition. It does have significant outbuildings in the 1931 animal hospital and garage, although the shed in particular is in very poor condition.

The original four-acre setting is well preserved. It is the mature trees and environmental setting that constitute a local landmark and visual feature of the neighborhood. The property of record is still a four-acre parcel and must be recommended as a whole. However, three options are available to the Mayor and Council: designate the entire four-acre property; designate the first 200 feet as was done with Chestnut Lodge; or designate only the lots which front upon West Montgomery Avenue.

In response to questions from the Commission about retention of trees and buildings, Ms. Leatham reiterated and clarified her previous testimony. She said that the exploratory application included a public park near the center (west side) of the site that will preserve a stand of the most significant trees. She disagreed that the site is eligible for historic designation. She said that there are many other properties in Rockville that would meet the same criteria but that have not been designated and that Dr. Buckingham probably was not the only veterinarian in Rockville in the early to mid-20th Century. She also said that a farm animal veterinary practice is not an example of the agrarian history of the City.

Commissioner Hartranft replied that the property does show the history of veterinary practice in the City and Commissioner Rodgers added that much evidence of the practice still remains.

Commissioner Broadhurst commended the developer for the efforts taken in preserving the tree stand and offering to place the lots on West Montgomery Avenue in the historic district.

The HDC reviewed the Historic District Designation Criteria and found that the property at 522 West Montgomery Avenue meets a local level of site significance. The HDC found that outbuildings are present and recognizable and that the original site and setting are largely preserved. The commissioners agreed that the property meets the following criteria for Historical and Cultural significance:

• Has character, interest, or value as part of the development, heritage or cultural characteristics of the City; and
  
• Exemplifies the cultural, economic, social, political or historic heritage of the County and its communities.
  

The HDC also found that the property meets the following criteria for Architectural and Design significance:

• Represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction; and
  
• Represents an established or familiar visual feature of the neighborhood, community or county due to its singular physical characteristic or landscape.
  

MOTION: Commissioner Hartranft moved to recommend the property at 522 West Montgomery Avenue as eligible for historic designation to the Mayor and Council, based on the findings of historical and cultural significance and architectural and design significance. Commissioner Powell seconded the motion.
VOTE: 4-0

B. 550 Reading Avenue

Planner Christensen said that this property was nominated by the owners, Richard Smith and Jane MacFarlane. She stated that it had been properly advertised and that this portion of the HDC evaluation was to present information on the property and hear testimony.

Ms. Christensen said that the property's historic name is "Homewood" and the c.1900 vernacular farmhouse originally faced Baltimore Road. The house is now accessed by Reading Avenue and the original rear serves as the front of the house. The house is in the Janeta subdivision and is sited on a tree-shaded lot of slightly less than an acre. The house has a slate roof, red brick chimney rising from its east addition, a tan-painted stucco exterior, red-brick patios, and three open and one enclosed porch attached to three asymmetrically-placed two-story masses. An asphalt driveway leads to a stuccoed two-car garage, with its original openings. Many large old trees remain and the house is surrounded by a grassy lawn. It is surrounded by small Cape Cod and ranch-style houses on small lots, facing Reading Avenue.

Staff presented a virtual tour of the property with a powerpoint presentation. Ms. Christensen identified the original front of the house and the rear elevation facing Reading Avenue. She described the complex massing, details of the elevations, the environmental setting including the mature trees and the expansive front and rear lawns, the stuccoed garage, and surrounding residential properties, including newer infill houses. Ms. Christensen said details include Queen Anne windows and a two-story bay. Some of the windows are one-over-one, like those of the garage, and appear to be 1920’s to 1940’s Craftsman-style. Others are two-over-two, perhaps recycled from the rear of the main mass when the addition was put on.

Ms. Christensen continued that 550 Reading Avenue is significant architecturally for its landscape, its historical associations with the prominent Maddox family, and with the growth of Rockville after the coming of the B & O Railroad in 1873. The house expresses the needs and tastes of its many owners since 1917, when it was sold out of the Maddox family. Although the property has been reduced from the time the house was built, it still retains its country feel, surrounded by small modern houses on small lots. It retains many fine specimen trees.

Ms. Christensen summarized the ownership history of the property. The Addie and John Maddox House, “Homewood”, at 550 Reading Avenue, is located in Block 4 of the Janeta Subdivision of Rockville, adjacent to Rockville Park. Janeta is named for Catherine Jane Harding, who inherited the 156.5 acre MaGrath Place tract from her grandfather, Adam Robb. She was the second wife of Dr. Charles J. Maddox, a prominent Rockville physician and citizen. She died in 1897.

After Dr. Maddox's death in 1899, his children divided the Magrath Place property that they had inherited. John Maddox, born in 1852 and the oldest of the children of Dr. Maddox and his first wife, was deeded Block 4 and the north half of Block 3 of Janeta. John Maddox later added two adjacent contiguous lots in Rockville Park (lots 47 and 48, block 7, facing Baltimore Road) to his homestead. In 1907, John Maddox died, leaving his wife Addie and four children. In his will, he left Homewood to Addie, but the family returned to St. Mary's County following his death.

The construction date of Homewood, the 550 Reading house, is not known with certainty but the tax assessor’s records of a 1898 construction date is possible. In 1917, Addie Maddox sold Homewood (Janeta block 4 and north part of block 3), and the two Rockville Park lots, to Walter S. Thompson.

Thompson had already purchased the next three Rockville Park lots adjacent to the Maddoxes in block 7, for a total of 5 lots.

The property had several owners from 1924 to 1959. In 1924, the property was sold to Floyd and Ida F. Moore. When Ida Moore, widow, sold the property in 1941 to Karl and Ruth C. Habel, it was part of the earlier tract, minus the northern half of block 3 of Janeta. In 1947, the Habels sold their tract, which now consisted of the 5 lots in Rockville Park and the northern portion of block 4 in Janeta, to Robert and Mary Julia McClurkin. The McClurkins took out $18,000 in two notes for their purchase. In 1953, the McClurkins sold the property, consisting of the five Rockville Park lots and “the northern part of Block 4, Janeta”, to John H. and Maxine Glover. In 1953, half of block 4, Janeta, was subdivided into 12 lots.

Montgomery County National Bank sold it as foreclosed property at public auction on April 30,1959. The August Investment Co. bought the northern part of block 4, Janeta, the five Rockville Park lots, and two more Rockville Park lots (lots 1 and 2, block 7, also adjacent to Homewood and facing Reading Ave.) The August Investment Co. subdivided the part of block 4 upon which Homewood sat, creating lots 13 and 14 out of the northeast corner of the tract. Richard Ellis Smith and Jane O. MacFarlane, the current owners, purchased Homewood in 2001.

Ms. Christensen concluded the staff report and the HDC asked if there were any other speakers. Mr. Richard Smith, the current owner, stated that he thought the staff report was thorough, but he wanted to correct the pronunciation of Janeta and add some information. He said that Dr. Charles Maddox had named the area after his wife, and it should be pronounced JAN-EEE-TA. Mr. Smith said that there is evidence that the house was not built by a professional builder, such as the random spacing of the rafters. He said that the foundation is mortar and stone and was built to only accommodate a crawl space. A cellar was later excavated and it has dirt walls and a partial dirt floor. Mr. Smith said that the one-over-one windows are only on a portion of the first story which may have been a porch and which now contains a half bath and a laundry.

Mr. Smith stated that he and his wife are in favor of designation and believe that the property meets the criteria. They want to improve the house condition with tax credits and other opportunities that would be available to them through historic designation. He said that he grew up in a c.1890 house in Pennsylvania and that his wife spent time in her grandparents' old house as a child and they both had an interest in old houses. He said that the house was featured on the House and Garden channel in January 2001 while the previous owners were restoring it.

Suzanne Fisher, representing Peerless Rockville, stated that Peerless Rockville supports the nomination for historic designation of this property. She said that the property, with its mature trees, reminds one of earlier times and it meets the architectural/design and historic/cultural criteria. Ms. Fisher said that the house was a site for Peerless Rockville's Progressive Dinner this year and that it is a hidden gem.

MOTION: Commissioner Hartranft moved to hold the record open on the evaluation of 550 Reading Avenue for historical, architectural, or cultural significance until the close of business on August 1, 2002. Commissioner Broadhurst seconded the motion.
VOTE: 4-0

701 Grandin Avenue

Planner Christensen said that this property was nominated by the owners, Cameron H. and Dana J. Moffett. She stated that this evaluation had been properly advertised and that the purpose of this portion of the HDC evaluation was to gather and disperse information on the property and allow testimony.

Ms. Christensen showed photographs of all facades of the house. She stated that the Hipsley-Thompson House is a 1893 vernacular Gothic revival style house. It is a three-bay by two-bay wood frame structure and is located at the intersection of Reading Avenue and Grandin Avenue in Rockville Park. The house sits on a lot approximately 70 feet wide and 125 feet deep. Houses on either side of 701 Grandin Avenue are one-story and of more recent construction. The house is currently under renovation.

Ms. Christensen explained that the Hipsley-Thompson House is significant as part of the urban growth of Rockville. Architecturally, the Hipsley-Thompson House represents a popular vernacular house form of the late nineteenth century and is one of several intact survivors of the first generation of houses in Rockville Park. It has had several owners, representing Rockville's middle class during the town's growth in the 20th Century. Two families, the Hipsleys and the Thompson/Tolberts occupied the house for long periods of time. The house sits across Reading Avenue from the Kingdon Sisters’ House and the Carey and Hattie Kingdon House (300 Reading), both on the City of Rockville list of historic sites.

701 Grandin sits on what was lot 2 and probably part of lot 3 of block 6, Reading’s 1st Addition. In 1890, Reading transferred all the unsold lots in his subdivision to Washington Danenhower for $10,000. Danenhower resubdivided the blocks, added sidewalks on Grandin and Reading, and filed his subdivision as Rockville Park. 701 Grandin sits on Lots 34, 33, and 15 feet of Lot 32, block 6, of Rockville Park. Each lot in block 6 was approximately 28 feet wide and 125 feet deep. By 1896, Danenhower had sold all but six of his Rockville Park lots. Most homes were described in tax records as being two-story frame with five rooms. Rockville Park was valued for tax purposes at $300 an acre.

Lots 30, 33, and 34 sold in 1894 for $450 to Walter Wilcox and Walter Heiston of Washington, DC , indicating that they were unimproved at that time and probably bought for investment. Wilcox bought out Heiston’s interest in the lots in 1897, for an undisclosed sum.

Indirect evidence indicates a construction date of the Hipsley-Thompson House around 1894. The house at 709 Grandin, on lot 26, block 6, is very similar to 701 Grandin. That house was built between 1893 and 1905, based upon a comparison of the sales prices in 1893 and 1905. In 1893, lots 26 and 27 sold for $400. In 1905, the two lots sold for $1,250. Research done by Peerless Rockville indicates 709 Grandin Avenue was built in 1893. Assuming that the two almost identical houses were built around the same time, it can be concluded that 701 Grandin was also built 1893-1894.

Later owners William and Maude Bean sold 5 lots (30 through 34) acquired between 1905 and 1910 to Harry C. and Pattie S. Hipsley in 1918, taking back a note for $2,700. The value of the note confirms that the house at 701 had been built by 1918. When the Beans sold lots 30-34 to the Hipsleys, they retained the 5 lots of 709 Grandin. The Hipsleys held all five lots of the property until 1951 when 701 Grandin (with lots 30-34) was sold to Willis and Beulah Thompson. Apparently Willis and Beulah Thompson subdivided their 5 lots into two 2 _ lot parcels. The Thompsons built the house at 705 Grandin for their son and daughter-in-law. Willis Thompson died Feburary 15, 1980, followed by Virginia in 1984.During the time the Thompsons lived in 701 Grandin Avenue, it was divided into an upstairs and downstairs apartment, with access from an enclosed foyer and staircase.

According to the tax assessor’s worksheet, the house suffered about $50,000 damage from fire in the summer of 1998. The Tolberts sold the house to the present owners, Cameron H. and Dana J. Moffett in February, 2002.

The Moffetts are living at 730 Grandin, while they rehabilitate 701 Grandin and intend to move in this summer. They have gutted the interior and restored the open staircase. They are adding an additional downstairs bathroom. They have found horseshoes in the backyard, giving credence to an oral history that there was once a stable on the property.

Ms. Christensen summarized the property's significance. The Hipsley-Thompson House is significant as part of the urban plan and growth of Rockville. Unlike earlier subdivisions around the Courthouse, Rockville Park was oriented to the B & O Railroad’s Rockville Station and the commercial opportunities there. It represents the evolution of Rockville from a sleepy county seat in an agricultural area to a railroad hub. Architecturally, the Hipsley-Thompson House represents a popular vernacular form of the late nineteenth century. It is one of several intact survivors of the first generation of houses in Rockville Park. The prominent steeply peaked face dormer is found on the almost identical house at 709 Grandin and also at 218 Reading, across the street. It is apparently so characteristic of the neighborhood that the builders of 202 Grandin, a new infill house, also incorporated the feature in their house to make it compatible with the neighborhood. Like other older properties in Rockville Park, the 701 Grandin tract was subdivided, along with the 709 tract, making way for new infill houses in the mid to late twentieth century. Two families, the Hipsleys and the Thompson/Tolberts occupied the house for long periods of time. The house sits across Reading Avenue from the Kingdon Sisters’ House and the Carey and Hattie Kingdon House (300 Reading), both on the City of Rockville list of historic sites.

Dana Moffett's (owner) father, Forest Mills of 730 Grandin Avenue, is currently renovating the house for his daughter and son-in-law. He said that the property included a stable and carriage house in the rear until the 1950s and confirmed that they had uncovered horseshoes in the rear yard. He said that he has completely renovated the interior. The house has asbestos shingles which cover the original German lap siding, and he is still considering whether to try to uncover it, not knowing its condition, or to cover the asbestos shingles with lap siding that would look like the original. Mr. Mills said that the house is in very good structural condition. The house had been damaged by fire and the City, through its housing rehabilitation program, spent $25,000 to repair it. The owners repaid the City out of sale proceeds when the property was sold to the current owners.

Commissioner Broadhurst said that he lives in the same neighborhood and had observed this house for a long time. He said that this house looked like a hopeless case for a long time and that he was very happy to see it coming back. He noted that the house has some significant neighbors and there are great opportunities and potential for it. He congratulated Mr. Mills for the renovation work he is doing and encouraged him to expose the original siding as opposed to covering it with new material, if possible.

Eileen McGuckian, representing Peerless Rockville, said that this house represents residential construction after the railroad came to Rockville. She said Peerless is delighted by the work that is being done on the house and looks forward to seeing what is underneath the siding, noting that most people find the original covered-up siding to be in good condition.

MOTION: Commissioner Broadhurst moved to hold the record open on the evaluation of 701 Grandin Avenue for historical, architectural, or cultural significance until the close of business on August 1, 2002. Commissioner Hartranft seconded the motion.
VOTE: 4-0

C. 103 Forest Avenue

Planner Christensen said that this property was co-nominated for historic designation by Peerless Rockville and a neighbor, Thomas H. Moore, who lives at 11 Forest Avenue. She stated that this evaluation had been properly advertised and that this portion of the HDC evaluation was to take information on the property and allow public testimony. A consultant produced a site survey inventory form which was corrected by owners, Mr. and Mrs. John Hartley.

Ms. Christensen said that the Dr. Gilbert and Brunetta Hartley House at 103 Forest Avenue is an eclectic English/Tudor Revival style 1920s house. The front paneled door, 6-over-6 windows, columns, and front pedimented porch reflect classical origins. It also reflects the early twentieth century artistic innovations of Picasso and Braque utilizing asymmetry, geometric construction, and spatial ambiguity. Its prominent gabled front block is off-center, balanced by flanking end-gabled blocks of slightly shorter stature. The 6/6 windows and door casings are plain flat wood in the craftsman-style. The roof of the main house is patterned metal shingles and the back porch roof is standing seam tin. The two-bay front-gabled garage (20 feet by 22 feet) is roofed with asphalt shingles. The only chimney is a prominent red-brick exterior chimney on the north facade of the house, surrounded by the porch roof. Siding is horizontal lapped wood clapboards. It anchors the prominent corner of Harrison Street and Forest Avenue, just off West Montgomery Avenue.

The house is architecturally significant as an early Rockville example of the popularized English Arts and Craft / Tudor Revival style. Of particular interest are its roofing details and its asymmetric massing. It is also historically significant as a vestige of the original subdivision of Margaret J. Beall’s land to her Dawson relatives. Dr. and Mrs. Gilbert V. Hartley originally bought the land in 1924, after the last Dawson to own it was foreclosed upon. It was occupied by one family only, the Hartleys, and served as Dr. Hartley’s medical office when he was in private practice. Aside from practicing general medicine, Dr. Hartley was also the physician for the County Almshouse, from the 1930s to 1950s. Later he worked as a physician for the U.S. Post Office.

Dr. Gilbert V. Hartley (born June 24, 1894) came to Rockville in 1920, at which time he was one of five practicing physicians in the town. He and his wife Brunetta first rented an apartment over the Rockville post office and later on Monroe Street after he went into practice for himself. They built the house at 103 Forest Avenue in 1925. Brunetta picked out the design for the house from a magazine. Brunetta ter Linden Hartley was born December 12, 1895 and died on February 4, 1936. Dr. Hartley gave up his private medical practice after Brunetta’s death. He later married Estelle Ricketts. She died in 1966, survived by Dr. Hartley and his son, Dr. John Gilbert Hartley of Vienna, Virginia. Dr. Gilbert Hartley died June 25, 1977.

Ms. Christensen stated that, according to Joan Hartley, daughter-in-law of Dr. Gilbert Hartley and wife of John Gilbert Hartley of Virginia (present owner of the house), an independent builder (Harry Howe) built the house between 1924-1925. Her husband, John Hartley, was born c. 1927 in the house. The house has been used by John Hartley since Dr. Hartley’s death.
Commissioner Rodgers asked if this property would be added to the West Montgomery Avenue Historic District if designated and Ms. Christensen replied that it would because it is contiguous to that district.

Joan Hartley, of 1700 Jumper Court in Vienna, Virginia, introduced herself as the wife of John G. Hartley, owner of the house. She corrected the MHT form and said that the house is really two full stories. She said that the interior has a wonderful charm which exceeds that of the exterior. She added that the house has not been modernized in any way. The kitchen has the original linoleum floor and no cabinets. The bathroom is original. There is no washer or dryer and the house needs a substantial amount of work. Mrs. Hartley said that the house presents many problems for anyone who would want to live a modern life there.

Mr. John Hartley stated that he has been living at 103 Forest Avenue on and off for 23 years. He said that the first version of the MHT report is inaccurate in that his father's medical office was on the first floor rather than the second floor; the dimensions and materials used in the house were inaccurate; and some of the family history was wrong.

Mr. Hartley said that the house is not currently on the market, although he has received some offers. He said the house is not historic and he does not want to make it historic because he does not want anyone else putting restrictions on it.

Mrs. Hartley said that the first she had heard about this hearing was from a sign posted at the site. Staff apologized and said that notices had been sent to an address retrieved from state data which was incorrect.

Thomas Moore, 11 Forest Avenue, co-nominator, stated that he lives directly across from the subject property and has lived there for five years. He said the house at 103 Forest Avenue is an important part of the streetscape. He has received many inquiries from passersby about possible sale of the house and interest in purchasing it. Mr. Moore said that he believes the house meets the historic designation criteria and is an excellent component of the neighborhood.

Eileen McGuckian, representing Peerless Rockville and co-nominator, also stated that the property meets the architectural and cultural criteria and that it is an architectural gem. She said that its eligibility is strengthened by the unchanged nature of the house. She said that she had had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Gilbert Hartley and she hoped that the second generation of Hartleys would continue to preserve the property. Ms. McGuckian encouraged the HDC to vote favorably for recommending designation.

William Jacob, 112 Forest Avenue, spoke in favor of historic designation for the 103 Forest Avenue house. He feels it is a very important part of the streetscape and a very interesting house. He said that his house is also in the district and he has not found the HDC process to be restrictive. He remarked that it enhances the value of the house and the neighborhood. He said that the old houses are unique resources for the City and do a lot to strengthen the community. Mr. Jacob told the Hartleys that they are actually lucky that nothing has been done to modernize their house because he has spent a great deal of time undoing poorly crafted "improvements" to his own house.

Robert Manning, 106 North Van Buren Street, stated that he lives in a house of comparable age to 103 Forest Avenue. He wanted to know what triggered this evaluation and expressed concern that someone's home could be nominated and designated historic without the owner's consent. Co-nominator Thomas Moore said that this particular nomination resulted from rumors that the property might be for sale and that there was interest in razing the house and subdividing the lot to allow for more houses. Mr. Hartley responded that the City would only allow two lots at the most.

Eileen McGuckian, Peerless Rockville, added that preservation concerns in the 1970s were almost entirely confined to preserving 19th century structures and now it is considered important to look at the 20th century. She said Peerless Rockville and other organizations are doing research to find ways to tack onto existing districts and create new ones. She said she expects a succession of nominations for designation to be made.

Don Hadley, 215 Harrison Street, stated that he is a contiguous neighbor to103 Forest Avenue. He said that he has also received many comments from people who are interested in buying the house. He said that he has respect for his neighbors' rights and he is concerned about government intervention, but he is also concerned that the house could be torn down by a developer and as many as three new lots created. He said that this would be possible for the 19,450 square foot lot in the R-60 zone. Mr. Hadley said that large new houses on tight lots on that block would be detrimental to the neighborhood.

Jennifer Kaye, 100 Forest Avenue, said that the fine for demolishing a house in Rockville is too small and needs to be increased. Commissioner Hartranft said that the HDC was aware of that, agreed, and is working toward increasing the fine.

MOTION: Commissioner Neal Powell moved to hold the record open on the evaluation of 103 Forest Avenue for historical, architectural, or cultural significance until the close of business on August 1, 2002. Commissioner Broadhurst seconded the motion.
VOTE: 4-0

III. COURTESY REVIEWS

22 West Jefferson Street: O-1 expansion and addition to the present building and parking area.

Daniel Ball, architect for the Magruder Companies, introduced Kathryn Morell who is working with him on this project. He said that the existing 23,000 square foot, three-story brick office building at this site is L-shaped and not itself in the historic district, but part of the approximately 53,000 square foot site is in the South Washington Street Historic District. The building was built in 1952 and is structurally sound but functionally obsolete. The O-1 zoning and FAR of 3.0 allow for the potential for 155,000 square feet of commercial space. The site is surrounded to the east by the historic district, to the west by residential and to the south by (undedicated) Church Street.

Mr. Ball said that the intention is to add two wings to the existing building; one of which would be within the historic district. These wings would consist of a five-story building on top of a four level parking garage (part of which would be underground) and a three-story structure. The architectural character of the existing building would be retained in the expanded portions. The larger wing would have a stone-type of finish on the first two stories and brick on the upper stories to minimize the visual impact. The facades of the new structures would be recessed to separate them from the original building. The windows would match the existing building. In addition, one additional story would be added to the existing building, on top of the two existing stories.

Commissioner Hartranft asked about the number of new parking spaces that would be created on the site and Mr. Ball replied that there are 92 spaces now and that number would increase to 240. He said that the current parking lot is rarely full and that Rockville's parking requirements for commercial buildings are very stringent. He did not anticipate any overflow parking. Commissioner Hartranft expressed concern about the impact of additional dirt and fumes generated by the increased cars on the nearby historic buildings as well as the visual impact of the expanded structure on historic buildings, including the Rockville Academy. She asked if the use of the building will change and Mr. Ball said that it currently houses lawyers' offices and that will continue to be its predominant use.

Commissioner Rodgers said she was also concerned about the line of vision impact and the possibility that the structure would overshadow historic buildings. Mr. Ball stated that the subject property has a topographic advantage in that it sits in a hole and that additional elevation will not have a great impact. He did not think the new roof level would come up to the level of the structure next door. He added that zoning actually allows more space then is planned but the Magruder Companies is trying to stay more consistent with the surrounding environment.

Commissioner Hartranft asked if the building would continue to only have one point of entry and Mr. Ball's response was that it would because it is the only legal access to the property. Commissioner Hartranft said that exiting left onto West Jefferson Street is already very difficult and that increasing the amount of traffic attempting to do this is a concern.

Chief of Planning, Bob Spalding, explained that the O-1 transitional Office zoning allows a FAR of 3.0 and a maximum height of 75 feet. The purpose of the zone is to provide transition between the higher density Town Center and residential areas. He said that the Master Plan process has affirmed this as appropriate. This application is scheduled to go before the Planning Commission in September 2002.

Commissioner Broadhurst said that he is concerned about the scale of all parts of the building. He has not looked at the existing structure with an eye for determining whether it a well-scaled structure now, nor how the proposed changes will affect it. He also did not feel that the architect needs to be rigid in replicating parts of the old building and it may be preferable to break away from that to some extent.

Dawson Farm Park: Construction of a park shelter and replacement of a bridge

Mark Kibiloski, a parks management assistant for the City, explained that, with the help of information and drawings from the Dawson family, the Parks Department is re-creating the layout of the former granary at Dawson Farm Park. This "ghost structure" will be kept in perspective with the park setting. The plan calls for incorporating the remains of the stone foundation into a retaining wall for the new ghost structure. He said that interpretation describing the Dawson family, the Dawson farming operations and buildings will also be added at the park at several places. He said that the Parks Department has met with residents from the adjoining Hungerford neighborhood and has taken into consideration their concerns, including safety.

Commissioner Hartranft said that she had seen similar ghost structures at St. Mary's College and thought it was an effective way to handle this.

Commissioner Broadhurst asked about the materials that would be used. Mr. Kibiloski said that they are now considering building the frame from heavy timber and have discarded the idea of using steel. He said that it may be possible to use some lumber from the Thomas Farm buildings that were demolished.

Commissioner Broadhurst suggested that the timber not just be bolted together, but rather some thought be given to how it was actually joined when the building was constructed. He also doubted that the metal from one structure could be moved to this new structure with a pleasing effect. He suggested that Mr. Kibiloski check Peerless Rockville's roofing contacts.

Commissioner Rodgers said that she liked the idea very much and asked if it would be possible to incorporate some of the farm tools and implements that still exist from the farm, but staff and Commissioner Broadhurst responded that it could be challenging to have loose items available at a public park.

Beazer Homes : Replace gateway pillars at Rose Hill Mansion

Two stone pillars are proposed to be placed at the entrance to the Rose Hill Mansion, at the intersection of Rose Petal Way with Autumn Wind Way. They will be similar to the piers that were formerly mounted on Falls Road at the entrance to Rose Hill Farm and bear the original brass plaque from the farm entrance.

Mark Wenner of Beazer Homes described the diagrams and locations of the piers. The piers will be 42 inches in height from finished grade level and 20 inches wide. They will stand on 32-inch wide by 15- inch tall concrete footings and an additional 21 inches below grade. The piers will have a 4-inch stone veneer face with an uncoursed roughly square pattern. The existing "Rose Hill" plaque will be attached to one of the piers.

Commissioner Broadhurst stated that it will be good to identify the historic property. He would like to see an elevation with the sign to be able to understand the size relationship of the sign to the piers.

IV. ELECTION OF HDC CHAIR (continued from June 18, 2002 meeting)

Commissioner Hartranft nominated Commissioner Anita Powell as HDC Chair. Commissioner Broadhurst seconded the nomination. Commissioner Powell accepted the nomination and the vote was unanimously in favor.

V. DISCUSSION / UPDATES

A. Designation of City-owned properties:

Planner Christensen said that National Register designation in conjunction with a master plan, crafted to the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation and adopted by all users, would be appropriate for multi-user, city-owned sites that are eligible for designation. She explained that in some cases this might be a preferred approach to local designation where the HDC would always have the final decision-making power for exterior changes to the properties but where there are several other groups who use or have an interest in the properties. She cited Glenview Mansion and possibly King Farm as two city-owned sites where this may be a good approach. The HDC and Eileen McGuckian debated the pros and cons of this solution versus pursuing local designation. Ms. McGuckian stated that Peerless Rockville would prefer that the sites in question have local designation. Suzanne Fisher, also of Peerless Rockville, said that local designation of city-owned sites sets a good example and shows that the City is prepared to live by the rules it sets for private citizens and businesses. The HDC agreed and indicated that they wanted local designation for eligible city-owned sites.

Update on designations in progress
Staff provided a quick designation status update: Chestnut Lodge and 117 South Van Buren will be on the Mayor and Council agenda of August 5 for introduction of ordinances to grant; Carver is held up with legal questions; and City staff is working with the owners of 115 Park Avenue to find a solution.

Montgomery County History Days June 29 and 30
Planner Kebba said that staff set up a table and displays on the grounds of the Red Brick Courthouse on Saturday June 29 to provide information on historic sites and designation in the City and to coordinate with Peerless Rockville events on History Day. She said that almost everyone who attended a Peerless Rockville tour that day also stopped by the table. On Sunday June 30, the information was available at the Montgomery County Historical Society.

Jerusalem Church Parsonage, grant and renovation progress
Staff notified the HDC that the church is in the process of selecting a land surveyor as the first step toward consolidating their lots, renovating the parsonage and expanding the church.

Budget and Work Schedule FY 03
Planner Christensen said that the City is applying for a preservation partnership with the National Trust in a program to strengthen collaborations to address preservation needs and opportunities. Selected applicants may compete for Challenge grants up to $35,000 to support the implementation of a collaborative partnership between state, local and national preservation organizations. Technical assistance grants are awarded for related planning efforts. She said that Stanley Lowe, a vice president of the National Trust will be invited to speak about historic preservation as a planning tool for preserving neighborhood character in conjunction with the HDC's educational efforts in Fall 2003.

VI. COMMITTEE / ORGANIZATION REPORTS

A. Lincoln Park Historical Society - Anita Neal Powell

LPHS did not participate in Montgomery County history Day for the first time in five years. Ms. Powell will present a talk on the African-American presence in Montgomery County at the African-American History Conference in DC on August 22, 2002 and will participate in the African-American History celebration on August 24.

B. Peerless Rockville - Eileen McGuckian, Executive Director of Peerless Rockville, stated that Peerless is working with the City on its new preservation initiative and recently met with HDC staff and the Montgomery County Historical Society to explore education, research, and heritage tourism opportunities. She met with the Lincoln Park Civic Association along with City staff members, to discuss historic district designation on July 13, 2002. Peerless signed an agreement with the City for services in FY2002 and developed a work plan and budget.

VII. ADJOURN

The HDC adjourned at 10:25 pm