Submitted: December 19, 2002
Approved: __________

CITY OF ROCKVILLE
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
MINUTES

Thursday, November 21, 2002
Meeting No. 11-2002

The City of Rockville Historic District Commission convened in regular session
in the Mayor and Council Chambers, Rockville City Hall, 111 Maryland Avenue, at 7:15 PM

PRESENT
Anita Neal-Powell, Chair
Craig Moloney
Beth Rodgers

Absent: Jeff Broadhurst, Andrea Hartranft

Staff: Judy Christensen, Preservation Planner; Cindy Kebba, Planner II; Anne Brockett, Planner II; Robin Ziek, Planner II

Due to the absence of a quorum at the beginning of the meeting, commissioners Moloney and Rodgers moved to the Courtesy Review because it did not require a motion.

COURTESY REVIEW – Curb installation vs. possible alternatives to resolve problem of dirt area along Middle Lane between wall of Beall-Dawson property and the street.

Planner Christensen gave an overview of the problem: 1) there is limited parking available at the Montgomery County Historical Society for employees, volunteers and visitors and MCHS needs some on- street parking along Middle Lane. 2) The Mayor is concerned about the unsightly, often muddy strip of dirt/grass along the side of the street where cars park near the Beall-Dawson house.

The Department of Public Works planned to install concrete curbs and gutters and asked for review by the HDC and HDC staff. Staff conducted research to determine if other alternatives might better maintain the 19th century look of the street and be suitable for Rockville. Staff provided some pictures of streets in other jurisdictions that had cobblestones or pavers to define the edge of the road. Ms. Christensen said that Hal Cranor, Director of Public Works, was concerned that cobblestones or pavers would be a maintenance issue because they could become dislodged when the streets were plowed.

Commissioner Moloney was concerned that a curb and gutter would preclude needed street parking or would only allow for one lane of traffic to pass if street parking was permitted. He felt that the HDC should look for a solution that would permit both limited street parking and two vehicles to pass simultaneously. He said that a cobblestone or paver area would be preferable to a curb and gutter and the paver area would not need to be plowed to avoid damaging it. Cars would not be allowed to park along the street when snow covers the area.

Commissioner Rodgers stated that she had no strong feelings against a curb and gutter to match those existing in the neighborhood, but she concurred with Commissioner Moloney that the pavers would be preferable. She liked the idea of stone pavers because they would complement the stone wall and steps at the Beall-Dawson house. Planner Christensen said that brick pavers are typically reserved for pedestrian ways and they would cause confusion about where people would walk versus park cars.

Planner Christensen said that staff would present this proposal to Public Works. If it is not considered feasible, it may be appropriate to prepare a streetscape plan in the future for the Middle Lane and North Adams Street area to distinguish it as the oldest section of the City.

I. MINUTES

October 17, 2002 (Meeting No. 10-2002)
Commissioner Moloney requested that the minutes reflect the fact that he was not present for the first three motions at the October meeting.

MOTION: Commissioner Rodgers moved to approve the minutes of October 17, 2002, as amended. Commissioner Moloney seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3-0 (Commissioners Hartranft and Broadhurst were absent)

II. EVALUATIONS FOR HISTORICAL, ARCHITECTURAL OR CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

110 South Adams Street (Steinberg House)
Planner Anne Brockett summarized the staff report. She said that the Steinberg House was constructed c. 1929. It is located on a quiet residential street (South Adams) and faces west. It is surrounded by contemporary early 20th century houses and is situated across the street from the Rockville Academy.

The house is a 2 _-story American Foursquare that exhibits elements of the Prairie and Craftsman styles. The house is constructed of light wood framing, finished with rough stucco. Its hipped roof is covered with composition shingles and the edges flare slightly over wide enclosed eaves.

The full-width frame front porch rests on rusticated concrete block piers with three Tuscan columns that support its hipped roof. The original Craftsman door is intact and contains two vertical panels inset below three lights, which mimic the window proportions. The windows are all 3/1 sashes. Most are original wood windows but two were recently replaced with 3/1 vinyl sashes.

The rear deck and a small addition are elevated on square wood posts. The addition may have been a rear porch that was later enclosed to accommodate a first-floor bathroom and storage area.

Planner Brockett said that the house has had only minor alterations which are almost exclusively confined to the rear of the house. Its form, massing, materials and details remain as they have throughout its 73-year existence. Its architectural significance is that it is an intact representative example of early 20th century residential architecture and demonstrative of the popular American Foursquare design.

Planner Brockett continued that the house is also significant as the home of the Steinberg family, noted Rockville residents and the first Jewish family in the City. The Steinbergs were immigrants from Russia and Lithuania. They came to Rockville via Baltimore in 1908 and opened a general store at 241 E. Montgomery Avenue and lived in an apartment above the store. The shop later sold men’s clothing and became a successful retail operation named Steinberg’s Department Store. The Steinbergs purchased the house at 110 South Adams Street in 1936 after renting for several years.

The Steinbergs were well known members of the Rockville community, especially their son, Joseph. Joe Steinberg followed his father into the retail industry, working first at Steinberg’s and later at his brother’s clothing store, the Men’s Quality Shop. He opened Jaye’s Bootery Family Shoe Store around 1950.

Planner Brockett said that Mr. Steinberg remembered the family being somewhat isolated in their faith during his youth. There was one Jewish family in Gaithersburg and a Jewish population in Georgetown. The family practiced some religious ceremonies, such as marriages and Bar Mitzvahs, in their store or their house.

Joseph Steinberg’s years of community service culminated in 1984 when he was named Citizen of the Year by the Rockville Chamber of Commerce. He is further memorialized with a dedication bench and stone-mounted plaque located outside the Red Brick Courthouse, which pays tribute to Steinberg, also known as “Mr. Rockville.”

The Steinberg family retained ownership of the house at 110 South Adams Street for more than 50 years, selling it to Leslie Muller in 1988. The current owner, Thomas Simpson, purchased the property in 2000.

Planner Brockett concluded that staff recommends that the Steinberg House be found eligible for historic designation as a single-site local historic district. She said that the property was nominated by its owner and there is no opposition to designation. She said that an expedited review of the property, therefore, is requested.

Tom Simpson, owner, stated that he enjoyed reading the staff report and felt that it was very complete. He said that he had been under the impression that the house was built in 1927 rather than 1929 but he had not yet found any documentation to verify a date of construction. He said that he decided to nominate the house for designation after attending the historic designation workshop presented by staff in October. He said that he was very interested in the tax credits available for owners of designated properties and he was requesting an expedited review so that he could apply for the tax credits as soon as possible.

Commissioner Moloney asked Mr. Simpson about the area of siding on the lower rear portion of the house. Mr. Simpson said that he thought this had been a carriage house at one time. He said he plans to remove the siding from this area and replace it with a new material. He said that his plans also include replacing the roof and a basement door, replacing the front porch and changing the front steps from wood to brick, installing a fence, shutters, and two skylights.

The HDC explained that any changes to original materials or design would need to be reviewed by the commission if the property proceeds toward designation. Completing such work without HDC approval would jeopardize any tax credits that the owner might otherwise be entitled to. Commissioner Moloney expressed particular concern with Mr. Simpson’s plan to install two 21-inch skylights on the south slope of the roof. The skylights would be visible from South Adams Street. Commissioner Moloney said that skylights were not part of the architecture of this era and he is worried that they may negatively affect the historic character of the house which otherwise has architectural integrity.

Mr. Simpson said that he wanted the skylights to add more light to the attic and to remove heat. He responded that his neighbors at 106 and 108 South Adams Street have skylights on their houses that are visible from the right-of-way. The HDC said that those houses have not been designated and such changes, therefore, were not under its review.

Planner Ziek suggested that the owner consider installing an exhaust fan to at least accomplish his goal of removing heat from the attic, but Mr. Simpson said that would not solve the problem of allowing more light to enter. Commissioner Rodgers asked if he could put the skylights on the rear slope of the house so that they would not be visible from the right-of-way. Mr. Simpson said that would not work for his purposes and he said they would then be visible from Christ Episcopal Church, which is an historic resource in an established historic district. Commissioner Rodgers said that dormer windows might be more appropriate than skylights. Mr. Simpson said he thought they would be more obtrusive and more costly.

Mr. Simpson asked the commission if it would approve the skylights. The HDC responded that it could not approve or deny such a request at this time because this was a public hearing to determine if the property has historical, architectural or cultural significance. It did not have sufficient information to make a motion on a request for a Certificate of Approval as no application had been filed, there were no drawings or materials submitted, and staff and the HDC had not had an opportunity to evaluate a completed application. Mr. Simpson wanted to know if he could make changes to the house before the designation process was completed. The HDC said that any changes to the house’s design or materials could alter its integrity and the designation process would have to stop.

Commissioner Rodgers asked Mr. Simpson if he wanted to proceed with the HDC’s evaluation for historic designation, even if it meant that the HDC might deny applications for work that he was proposing if the property does become designated. Staff added that the Maryland Historical Trust wants to review projects before the work is done and that if even one part of the project is not approved, tax credits may be denied for the entire project. Mr. Simpson stated that he did want to proceed with the designation evaluation.

Suzanne Fisher, representing Peerless Rockville, said that she was glad to see a part of 20th century Rockville being recognized as historically significant. She said that Peerless Rockville hopes to see a multi-site district along South Adams Street created. She added that this house at 110 South Adams Street is significant on multiple fronts, not just because of its architectural integrity. She said that the Steinberg ownership, as one of the earliest Jewish families in Rockville, makes the property historically and culturally significant as well.

The HDC reviewed the Historic District Designation Criteria form and determined that the site has local significance. The condition of the structure was found to be “original or near original condition with all changes reversible” and that the “original site and setting are largely preserved.” The property does not have any outbuildings.

The HDC found that 110 South Adams Street 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;
  
• Has character, interest, or value as part of the development, heritage or cultural characteristics of the County;
  
• Is identified with a person or a group of persons who influenced society, and
  
• Exemplifies the cultural, economic, social, political or historic heritage of the County and its communities.
  

The HDC found that the it also has Architectural and Design Significance in that it:

• Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction (classic example of an American Foursquare)
  

MOTION: Commissioner Moloney moved to find 110 South Adams Street eligible for single site historic designation based on the adopted criteria for historical, architectural, or cultural significance, and to recommend it as eligible for historic designation to the Mayor and Council. Commissioner Rodgers seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3-0 (Commissioners Hartranft and Broadhurst absent)

III. DISCUSSION/UPDATES

Civil War Trail – Planner Christensen explained that this program, coordinated by the State Department of Tourism Development, will benefit tourism efforts in the City. Rockville will be a gateway with six interpretive plaques. A visitor’s center will be designated, probably at the Red Brick Courthouse (Peerless), which is the gateway, and also at the Montgomery County Historical Society. There will also be signs along the interstate directing people to the sites in Rockville. A map will be published and Rockville will have an inset on it. Virginia has had a successful Civil War trail for some time.

Commissioner Rodgers said that there are already multiple historic signs now at certain properties in the City and she was concerned about adding more. Planner Christensen replied that the HDC will have approval authority for any new signs.

New staff - New historic preservation planners, Anne Brockett and Robin Ziek, were introduced to the commission. Each spoke briefly about their backgrounds and experience and what they will be working on initially for the HDC.

NTHP Partnership Project - The HDC received copies of the technical assistance grant application that staff submitted to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Peerless Rockville, the Montgomery County Historical Society and the Lincoln Park Historical Society were identified as project partners. Issues of concern that the grant funds would be targeted to include tear-downs, commercial development adjacent to historic districts, and addressing property owner concerns and resistance to historic preservation. The strategic planning grant is for $2,500, which the City will match. Other grants may also be available for up to $35,000.

Update on Designations/Demolition Requests

1. 115 Park Avenue continues to be on hold while discussions continue with the property owner. Discussions involve re-using the existing property and putting it back into office use using Smart Codes. Smart Codes are focused on safety requirements and relieve historic property owners of some other code regulations.
   
   
2. At their last meeting, the Mayor and Council asked staff to take photographs of Carver from different vantage points, including from the corner of Rt. 355 and Mannakee Street and other points along Mannakee, to help determine the final boundaries of the historic district. Commissioner Moloney said that the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department has expressed some interest in developing the grassy area at the front of the school and would need to secure title from the Board of Education.
   
   
3. The public hearing for the Rose Hill Barn was held on November 18. The Mayor and Council wanted to expand the historic district boundary to at least 100 feet from the Rose Hill mansion to provide greater protection for the district. The Planning Commission opposed recommending the barn to the Mayor and Council for designation (4-3). Some members felt the barn is not significant enough and one member expressed the view that the timing is bad since the Washington Waldorf School is in the process of selling their adjacent property.
   

Rockville Cemetery - The HDC discussed the issue of removing/planting shrubbery at the cemetery and the need for guidelines. The City Forester will take a look at the specific shrubs in question.

IV. COMMITTEE/ORGANIZATION REPORTS

Lincoln Park Historical Society – Anita Neal-Powell
LPHS participated in the Maryland State Multicultural Summit with a presentation entitled “Multiculturalism in Montgomery County” on October 28 and 29. Representatives from 23 counties and the City of Baltimore participated. The focus of the summit was on tourism. Presentations will be combined into one publication. LPHS is planning a Christmas/Kwanza program on December 21 which will include food, activities, entertainment, and toys for kids.

Peerless Rockville – Suzanne Fisher
The City’s Rocknet site now links to the Peerless Rockville site. Peerless participated in the Veteran’s Day celebration at Higgins Park and gave a talk at the Trolley Museum on November 17, focusing on the line from Georgetown to Rockville. December 4 will be the Peerless Rockville Open House at the Red Brick Courthouse and Peerless will hold a brunch at Glenview Mansion on January 1. Ms. Fisher announced that Dick Smith, the owner of the newly designated property at 550 Reading Avenue, has joined the Peerless Board of Directors. The B&O Railroad grand opening is scheduled for November 22 and 23.

V. COMMENTS BY COMMISSIONERS

Chairman Powell asked to include this agenda item at future meetings as a way to make the HDC more proactive and to provide a format for members to share information about projects that they are working on, conferences they have attended, and other items of interest.

VI. ADJOURN

The HDC adjourned at 10:02 p.m.