Submitted: September 19, 2002
Approved: __________

CITY OF ROCKVILLE
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
MINUTES

Tuesday, August 20, 2002
Meeting No. 08-2002

The City of Rockville Historic District Commission convened in regular session in the Mayor and Council Chambers,
Rockville City Hall, 111 Maryland Avenue, at 7:08 PM
The next meeting of the Historic District Commission is September 19, 2002

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

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

I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

July 16, 2002 (Meeting No. 07-2002)

MOTION: Commissioner Broadhurst moved to approve the minutes of July 16, 2002 as submitted. Commissioner Hartranft seconded the motion.
VOTE: 4-0 (Commissioner Moloney abstained)

After approval of the minutes, the Chairman Rodgers formally turned the gavel over to the new chair, Anita Neal Powell.

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

A. 550 Reading Avenue

Planner Christensen stated that this meeting was advertised on the City's web site and the property was posted with a sign. Notification was mailed to surrounding properties within 1/4 mile of the subject, citizen's associations and other interested parties. Staff reviewed previous testimony and the history of the property submitted by consultant Gail Littlefield. This information was summarized in a staff report, which was also posted on the web page.

Staff presented the staff report and recommended that the HDC find the property at 550 Reading Avenue eligible as a single site Historic District (Landmark) in accordance with the adopted criteria. Planner Christensen stated that Homewood, the property located at 550 Reading Avenue, is significant architecturally, for its landscape, and for 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 is an example of a c.1890 property owned by a person of means, with additions probably expressing 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 retains its country atmosphere and distinction, surrounded by small modern houses on small lots. It also retains many fine specimen trees. Although the house originally fronted Baltimore Road, it can now only be viewed from Reading Avenue.

Ms. Christensen stated that “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) Maddox, 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. In 1917, Addie Maddox sold Homewood 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 five lots.

The property had several owners from 1924 to 1959 during which time some of the original house property was subdivided and sold for residential lots. The current owners, Richard E. Smith and Jane O. MacFarlane, purchased the property in 2001. Mr. Smith spoke at the July meeting and added some information to the staff report, including evidence that the house was not built by a professional builder. He stated that he and his wife were in favor of designation and believed the property met the criteria. He said that their intention is to improve the property's condition using tax credits that would be available only with designation.

Ms. Christensen said that the only other speaker at the July meeting was Suzanne Fisher, representing Peerless Rockville. Ms. Fisher said that the house was a hidden gem and Peerless supported its nomination for designation. There were no speakers opposed to designation at the July meeting and no comments were submitted prior to the closing of the record on August 1, 2002.

Planner Christensen concluded that 550 Reading Avenue is significant to the City of Rockville as it was the home of the Dr. John Maddox Family and is a significant part of the history and development of the Janeta subdivision and east Rockville. The property demonstrates Rockville's transition from agricultural town to suburban railroad town and the subsequent subdivision of farm properties near the railroad into building lots. It is a typical example of a prosperous late 19th century house and one of the first original houses in Janeta. Ms. Christensen said that staff, therefore concurs with the nominators and with Peerless Rockville that 550 Reading Avenue meets the criteria as a single site historic district in the City of Rockville.

The Chair asked for additional comments before the HDC reviewed the designation criteria. Commissioner Moloney explained that he would abstain from a vote since he did not attend the July meeting but that he would participate in the discussion. Commissioner Broadhurst said that Mr. Smith's testimony at the July meeting was particularly passionate and he was pleased that the owners view themselves as stewards of this property. Commissioner Rodgers stated that she had worked with the owners at Peerless Rockville's progressive dinner and was very glad to see it nominated. She said that the owners do indeed care very much about preserving and maintaining this property.

The HDC found that the level of site significance for 550 Reading Avenue is local and the condition of the structure and site is "original or near original", with all changes reversible. The HDC found that the original site and setting are largely preserved.

The HDC found that the property meets the following criteria for Historical and Cultural significance:

The HC found that it has historical and cultural significance in that it:

• Has character, interest, or value as part of the development, heritage or cultural characteristics of the City; in that this property was the house of a landed family of large financial resources who subdivided their property for residential development in Rockville and gave the area called “Janeta” its name.
  
• Is identified with a person or a group of persons who influenced society in its association with the Robb, Magrath, and Maddox Families.
  
• Exemplifies the cultural, economic, social, political or historic heritage of the County and its communities for the same reasons stated above.
  
  The HDC also found that the site has architectural and design significance in that it:
  
  
• Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction and is one of only a few remaining examples of Rockville upper-class houses built on country estates.; and
  
• Represents an established or familiar visual feature of the neighborhood and community due to its singular physical characteristic or landscape.
  

MOTION: Commissioner Broadhurst moved to recommend the property at 550 Reading Avenue as eligible as a single site historic district to the Mayor and Council, based on the findings of historical and cultural significance and architectural and design significance. Commissioner Rodgers seconded the motion.
VOTE: 4-0 (Commissioner Moloney abstained)

B. 701 Grandin Avenue

Planner Christensen stated that this meeting was advertised on the City's web site and the property was posted with a sign. Notification was mailed to surrounding properties within 1/4 mile of the subject, citizen's associations and other interested parties. Staff reviewed previous testimony and the history of the property submitted by consultant Gail Littlefield. This information was summarized in staff report, which was also posted on the web page.

Staff recommended that 701 Grandin Avenue be found eligible for designation as a single site (Landmark) Rockville Historic District in accordance with the adopted criteria.

The house at 701 Grandin was nominated for historic designation by the current owners, Cameron and Dana Moffett. Planner Christensen stated that The Hipsley-Thompson House is significant as part of the middle-class urban 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 county seat in an agricultural area to a railroad hub. Architecturally, the Hipsley-Thompson House represents a popular vernacular house form of the late nineteenth century. It is one of several intact survivors of the first generation of houses in Rockville Park. It has had several owners, representing the middle-class occupations and activities engaged in by Rockville citizens during the town’s growth in the twentieth century.

Planner Christensen said that she had reviewed the history of the property at the July meeting and that it is contained in the staff report. She summarized testimony from the last meeting and said that Dana Moffett's (owner) father, Forest Mills of 730 Grandin Avenue, is currently renovating the house for his daughter and son-in-law and spoke at the last meeting. He had 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. At this meeting, he added that he thought the Hipsleys once owned a mill near Laytonsville.

Eileen McGuckian, representing Peerless Rockville, had 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.

No one spoke in opposition to designation. No additional comments were submitted prior to the closing of the record at the close of business on August 1, 2002.

Staff concluded that 701 Grandin Avenue meets the criteria for designation as a single site historic district by the City of Rockville. Staff found that it is significant to the City of Rockville in that its history demonstrates the transition of Rockville from an agricultural community to a suburban railroad town and from a society divided between wealthy land owners and the people who worked on their land to a society which included middle class working people who owned property. 701 Grandin Avenue is a typical example of a middle-class late 19th Century house and one of only a few remaining original houses in Rockville Park.

The HDC Chair asked if there were any additional comments. Janet McCool of 709 Grandin Avenue stated that 701 Grandin was reputed to be the first house built in the neighborhood after Dr. Stonestreet's house. She said the Moffets are doing a great job restoring the interior. Ms. McCool said that she understood that there had been an effort several years ago to create a historic district in the neighborhood but at the time some people were against it and the idea was dropped. She said if this house is designated, a larger district could be re-considered.

Upon review of the designation criteria, the HDC found that the level of site significance for 701 Grandin Avenue is local and the condition of the structure and site is described as having "minor alterations".

The HC found that it has historical and cultural significance in that it:

• Has character, interest, or value as part of the development, heritage or cultural characteristics of the City; in that this and other Rockville Park houses of this era were built by middle class families of moderate means that operated small businesses or commuted to work. Before the coming of the railroad, Rockville society was basically two classes, large well-off landowners and poorer laborers and workers with few middle-class businesspeople. Rockville Park demonstrates the growth of the middle class in Rockville.
  
• Exemplifies the cultural, economic, social, political or historic heritage of the County and its communities for the same reasons stated above.
  
  The HDC also found that the site has architectural and design significance in that it:
  
  
• Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction.
  
• Is one of only a few remaining examples of early Rockville Park middle class houses built in the area of the B&O Railroad station.

Commissioner Rodgers asked staff to conduct further research on the people associated with the property, including the Beans and the Hipsleys. She said that, at this time, not enough is known to accurately determine if the property is identified with a person or group of persons who influenced society. If research determines that the site is identified with a person or group of persons who influenced society, this criterion will be added to the designation criteria for historical and cultural significance. However, the HDC did decide that it had enough information at this point to vote.

MOTION: Commissioner Hartranft moved to recommend the property at 701 Grandin Avenue as eligible as a single site historic district o the Mayor and Council based on findings of historical, architectural, or cultural significance. Commissioner Broadhurst seconded the motion.
VOTE: 4-0 (Commissioner Moloney abstained)

C. 103 Forest Avenue

Planner Christensen said that the owners could not be present tonight and requested that the continuation of the evaluation for this property be deferred to the next meeting.

MOTION: Commissioner Rodgers moved to defer the continuation of the evaluation of the property at 103 Forest Avenue for historical, architectural or cultural significance to the September HDC meeting. Commissioner Broadhurst seconded the motion.
VOTE: 4-0 (Commissioner Moloney abstained)

D.305 Lincoln Avenue (Reuben Hill House)

Staff stated that this property was nominated by its owner, Norma H. Duffin and co-nominated by Peerless Rockville. Ms. Christensen stated that this evaluation was advertised by U.S. mail to property owners with 1/4 mile of the subject, citizens' associations and other interested parties. The agenda and history were posed on the City's web page and a sign was posted at the property.

Staff showed the location of the site on a map, an aerial view, photographs of all sides of the house and photographs of two existing outbuildings. Ms. Christensen noted the symmetry of the rectangular side-gabled three-bay by two bay, two-story frame house and its full-width front porch. She said that the attached rear wing probably contained a kitchen downstairs and a sleeping porch upstairs. She noted that this house is larger and older than other houses in the 300 block of Lincoln Avenue.

Planner Christensen said that the house at 305 Lincoln Avenue has been occupied by four generations of the Hill family, one of the pioneer families in the black community of Lincoln Park. Lincoln Park was one of the first subdivisions available for sale to blacks in Montgomery County and was purchased for black ownership because at least five black families had already purchased land and established homes in the area by 1879. Rueben Hill was one of these families. In 1880, Simeon Berry, a white former Confederate soldier, purchased one acre of land from Chandler Keys and sold half of it two days later to Reuben Thomas Hill. He willed the other half of the land, along with the newly constructed house, to Reuben Thomas Hill upon his death the same year.

Reuben Hill (1832-1917) was a slave of the Stonestreet family before emancipation. His wife, Rachel Martin, was free and, therefore, their children were born free. Their oldest child, Reuben Thomas Hill, was born in 1856. He and his sister purchased 305 Lincoln Avenue from their father in 1896. It is believed that Reuben Thomas Hill, a skilled carpenter, expanded the house soon after his father's death in 1917 and later left it to his two daughters and his grandson, Carlisle Blair Hill, whose father was deceased. Carlisle Blair Hill was raised at the house by his two aunts and eventually inherited the property. The original lot was reduced in size in the 20th Century and Carlisle Blair Hill died in 1986. His obituary stated that Mr. Hill was "the owner of a historic house in Rockville." The house is now owned by Norma Hill Duffin, who continues to live in Lincoln Park along with other members of the Hill and allied families.

Planner Christensen said that 305 Lincoln Avenue is significant to the City because is one of the oldest and most intact structures in Lincoln Park and was built before the Lincoln Park subdivision was created. It is associated with four generations of the Hill family, which included community leaders in Lincoln Park.

Suzanne Fisher stated that Peerless Rockville was co-nominator and that the owner was supportive of the nomination.

MOTION: Commissioner Hartranft moved to hold the record open on the evaluation of the property at 305 Lincoln Avenue for historical, architectural or cultural significance until the close of business on September 1, 2002. Commissioner Broadhurst seconded the motion.
VOTE: 5-0

E. 119 Forest Avenue

Staff stated that this property was nominated by its owners, Keith Jacobson and Katherine Michaelian. Planner Christensen stated that notification of this evaluation was sent by U.S. mail to property owners within 1/4 mile of the subject, citizens' associations and other interested parties. The agenda and history were posted on the City's web page and a sign was posted at the property.

Planner Christensen said that the house at 119 Forest Avenue is a 1-1/2 story Tudor style brick cottage composed of a front gable main block and an intersecting side gable wing. Its irregular massing, post-medieval detailing and decorative elements lend it a picturesque effect sought for the "Period House" of the early 20th century. Built in 1928, the house reflects the growing sophistication of Rockville. It was designed in the "Jacobethean" mode and is more distinguished than many of its contemporaries. It is located at the southeast corner of the intersection of Forest and Beall Avenues across from substantial Victorian houses that are part of the West Montgomery Avenue Historic District.

Planner Christensen described each side of the house while showing photographs of them. She noted the asymmetric massing, diamond paned windows, roofing details, roof garden and cast stone lintels and door surround.

Planner Christensen said that the house is a vestige of the original subdivision of Margaret J. Beall's land to her Dawson relatives. "Beall's Subdivision of Part of Rockville" was platted in 1888 by Margaret Beall on farmland adjacent to her Montgomery Avenue home. Donald and Elizabeth Delashmutt eventually purchased the land and built the house in 1928. The Delashmutts' architect was John W. Kearny of Washington, D.C. and the builder was Franklin Karn of Rockville.

The Delashmutts were active members of the courthouse community and served on various public committees in Rockville. Donald Delashmutt practiced law in Rockville and served as Justice of the Peace and Trial Magistrate.

Suzanne Fisher stated that Peerless Rockville is very pleased that the owners have nominated this property of historic designation and looks forward to examining more of Forest Avenue in the future.

The HDC asked staff to research John Kearny, the architect, and people who were associated with the property after the Delashmutts sold it. The Whalens purchased it approximately 1959 and owned it until 2001.

The HDC noted that the level of site significance is local. The condition of the structure and site was described as: original or near original condition; outbuildings present and recognizable; and the original site and setting largely preserved.

Planner Christensen stated that the owners had requested an expedited procedure as they learned that the house was eligible for designation and tax benefits after they had begun some renovations.

The HC found that it has historical and cultural significance in that it:

• Has character, interest, or value as part of the development, heritage or cultural characteristics of the City; and
  
• Is identified with a person or a group of persons who influenced society; Judge Donald Delashmutt and Mrs. Delashmutt, as well as the Whelan family.
  
  The HDC also found that the site has architectural and design significance in that it:
  
  
• Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction as a 1928 Jacobethan Cottage;
  
• Is the work of a master Rockville builder, Franklin Karn, and is a rare example of a custom- designed property prepared by an architect for a Rockville citizen. Most Rockville houses of this era were produced from published or builder’s plans;
  
• Possesses high artistic values in the diamond-paned windows, cast stone detailing and roof garden; and
  
• Represents an established and familiar visual feature of the neighborhood and community due to its singular physical characteristic or landscape.

MOTION: Commissioner Moloney moved to recommend the property at 119 Forest Avenue as eligible as a single site historic district to the Mayor and Council based on findings of historical, architectural, or cultural significance. Commissioner Broadhurst seconded the motion.
VOTE: 5-0

III. REQUEST FOR ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF AND AMENDMENT TO HDC00-0161, FENCE AT ST. MARY'S CHURCH

Planner Kebba said that the approval for the original application (HDC00-0161) had expired and Nick Bucci, Plant Manager at St. Mary's Church, had requested a change to the proposed design of the fence. The design change was made to better deter pass-through pedestrian traffic within the cemetery, and to be consistent with existing fences within the cemetery. The original selection was the "Concord" style with imperial finials and ball caps. The proposed design was changed to "Style 111 with imperial finials and SS-1 scrolls" per the Jerith fence brochure. The material (aluminum) and color (black) of the fence would not change. Mr. Bucci was not able to be present at the meeting.

Commissioner Broadhurst said that he favored the previous design selection. He felt the change was a significant stylistic jump, but it could be satisfactory if it was all black.

Commissioner Hartranft said that the new style appears that it would obscure the view more than the original selection would.

Commissioner Broadhurst suggested changing the way the fence meets the chapel to assure that the fence would not obscure views of the building. He said that the fence would be less obtrusive if it met the chapel at the northwest corner and followed an approximate 45 degree angle to Rt. 355, rather than as originally shown meeting the side of the chapel and making a 90 degree turn at the road.

MOTION: Commissioner Broadhurst moved to approve the fence style proposed on the following two conditions:
1. The fence be all black; and
2. The location of the fence relative to the church must be reviewed prior to installation to ensure that the fence has minimal impact on the church.
Commissioner Moloney seconded the motion.
VOTE: 5-0

IV. REVIEW OF HDC RULES OF PROCEDURE

Planner Christensen informed the HDC that the regular HDC meeting night would need to be changed because the Mayor and Council plan to hold televised work sessions on Tuesday nights in the Mayor and Council Chambers. Because numerous evaluations for historic designation are expected, the HDC meetings will regularly require meeting space that can accommodate more people than the other board and conference rooms can hold. Staff recommended changing the meeting night to the third Thursday of the month. The HDC agreed and the next meeting was scheduled for Thursday, September 19. Acting Chair Powell said that she would not be able to attend the September 19 meeting and she appointed Commissioner Broadhurst as Chairman Pro Tem for that meeting.

V. DISCUSSION / UPDATES

A. Designation of City-owned properties:

Planner Christensen attended the Glenview workshop and conveyed the HDC's concerns if the property was not placed in a local historic district. She said other user groups were concerned about future HDC decisions, rather than current participants. Planner Christensen said that design guidelines are required for distinctive historic properties. John Milner Associates a have been asked for a cost estimate to expand the long range plan they recently completed to include design guidelines as well as to prepare a National Register nomination form. The design guidelines would be reviewed and adopted by the HDC and the Mayor and Council. The adopted design would ensure that the public would be informed of any changes to the adopted guidelines and all options would be publicly discussed.

Update on designations in progress
Staff provided a quick designation status update: Chestnut Lodge and 117 South Van Buren are scheduled on the August 5 Mayor and Council agenda for introduction of ordinances to grant designation map amendments; 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 Birthday will be celebrated on Sunday September 8 at the Montgomery County Historical Society. The HDC will set up a table with information.

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.

Training with Gaithersburg - The date for training will be changed to a date to be selected in October or November.

Public workshop on Historic District Process - The date for this forum will be October 24, 2002 at 7:30 P.M. Suzanne Fisher, President of Peerless Rockville, asked if it could be a feature of Peerless Rockville week. The HDC was pleased to participate in this event. ?

Report on National Alliance of Preservation Commission Conference - Commissioner Powell attended this conference in San Antonio August 1-5. She reported that it was excellent and included seminars on topics such as demolition by neglect, design guidelines, and gentrification in low-income communities. She recommended that Rockville join the alliance. Staff was asked to copy pertinent conference session information for the other HDC members.

VI. COMMITTEE / ORGANIZATION REPORTS

A. Lincoln Park Historical Society (LPHS) - Anita Neal Powell

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 LPHS will participate in the African-American History celebration on August 24.

B. Peerless Rockville - Suzanne Fisher, representing Peerless Rockville, stated that Peerless is completing the 2002 "Investigating Where We Live" project that will be exhibited at the Red Brick Courthouse beginning September 12. Peerless will be participating in the Happy Birthday Montgomery County celebration on September 8 and will present a talk on William Henry Holmes on September 9. Peerless Rockville Week is scheduled for October18-27. A "Painted Ladies" historic house tour with a craft and antique show will be held on October 19.

C. Glenview Mansion Subcommittee - Craig Moloney said that the subcommittee had not met and he, therefore, did not have a report.

VII. ADJOURN

The HDC adjourned at 9:45 p.m.