Submitted: February 20, 2003
Amended and Approved: 4/17/03

CITY OF ROCKVILLE
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
MINUTES

Thursday, January 16, 2003
Meeting No. 01-2003

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
Anita Powell, Chair
Andrea Hartranft
Craig Moloney
Jeff Broadhurst

Absent: Beth Rodgers, Commissioner

HDC Staff present: Judy Christensen, Cindy Kebba, Anne Brockett, Robin Ziek

I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

December 19, 2002 (Meeting No. 12-2002)

MOTION: Commissioner Moloney moved to approve the minutes of December 19, 2002 as written. Commissioner Hartranft seconded the motion.
VOTE: 4-0 (Commissioner Rodgers was absent)

II. EVALUATION FOR HISTORICAL, ARCHITECTURAL OR CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

315 Great Falls Road
Planner Brockett indicated that some of the information in her presentation was not in the MHT form included in the Commissioners’ brief books. Additional information on 315 Great Falls Road was obtained via a telephone conversation with Mr. Caldwell Brewer, whose parents built the house. The new information will be added to the MHT form.

The historic designation process for the house at 315 Great Falls Road was initiated at the request of its owners Michael Henry and Cynthia Fisher-Henry. The house is a 1927 1_ story Colonial Revival-style dwelling with a side gable roof, a small central front stoop, and two gable dormers. The façade is symmetrical and windows are primarily 6/6 sashes, which are common attributes of the period and style. Other windows on the enclosed side porch and rear are multi-pane fixed sashes.

The rear of the house features an elevated stone patio and an older stone patio around the base of large, old black walnut tree. The elevated patio was designed sensitively to partially encompass the trunk of the tree, but not encroach on it. Exterior details include the casement windows in the two dormers and the semicircular attic vents as well as the paneled wood shutters with decorative tree cutouts.

In the basement of the house is evidence of the oldest part of the building, the foundation. Here, the rubble fieldstone foundation walls are visible above concrete block walls, which were added when the basement was excavated. The space was dug out when the house was built to make room for pipes and mechanical equipment. The foundation was the support for a former barn that belonged to the house at 307 Great Falls Road.

The property at 307 is the Bingham-Brewer House, which is listed in the National Register. It formerly stood next to 315, but another house has been built between 307 and its former barn. The original parcel encompassed over seven acres with several other outbuildings, some of which remain behind the Bingham-Brewer House. The main house was constructed in 1821 by publisher Julias Bingham and then became the property of the McClenahans, an Irish immigrant family. Reverend William McClenahan is an important religious figure, instrumental in spreading the Christian, or Disciples of Christ, faith in this area at a very early date.

After passing through other hands, the property came into the ownership of John Brewer. John was an attorney with 10 children, who bought the house in 1906. When he passed away in 1908, ownership passed to his son, John. John, Sr.’s widow continued to live there while John, Jr. and his family resided in their house in Georgetown. In the 1920s, John and his wife Rosalind decided to use part of his inherited property to build a summer residence. It had been a common practice for DC residents to board in Rockville during the summers since the later 19th century, so the construction of this summer residence is evidence of a larger development trend in Rockville.

The small house was completed in 1927 and was used only during the summer by the family and remained closed for the rest of the year. It was designed by a man named Stanislaus “Boots” Hamilton. Originally more of the original barn’s qualities were evident, notably the unfinished random-width floors and four freestanding square hand-hewn posts that supported the ceiling in the main room. These columns were removed in the late 1950s or 1960s and the structure reinforced with steel beams. The wood posts against the walls and across the ceiling still remain, giving the room a rustic charm.

This house is associated with the National Register-listed Bingham Brewer House, which is significant as an early Rockville residence and for its owners, notably the McClenahans and the Brewers. It is a good example of a small summer residence in Rockville, which reflects a trend in Rockville’s developmental history. It is also representative of the Colonial Revival style in America, which was an immensely popular residential style in the 1920s. Features such as its 1 _ story height, dormer windows, 6/6 sashes, symmetrical fenestration, and balanced proportions are all demonstrative of its Colonial Revival style.

The Chair asked for additional comments before the HDC reviewed the designation criteria.

Owner Michael Henry stated that he and his wife were in support of designation. He said that they purchased the house eight months ago and have discovered that it is expensive to maintain. They are interested in pursuing tax credits for some of the work they plan to do on the house. He said that they like old houses and want to keep the character of the house.

Commissioner Broadhurst asked Mr. Henry what types of maintenance have they had to do and Mr. Henry replied that a black walnut tree had lifted up the patio and water had rotted some wood. Floor beams were sagging, there had been some termite damage, and windows were creaky.

Commissioner Moloney explained that he was familiar with the subject property because he had consulted with the former owners in a professional capacity on possible improvements to the house. He said that he did not feel that this precluded him from making an unbiased recommendation on the house’s eligibility for designation.

Suzanne Fisher spoke on behalf of Peerless Rockville in favor of designation and stated that the house is still a good example of 1920s Colonial Revival architecture even though it has been altered over the years.

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.” The property does not have any outbuildings.

The HDC found that 315 Great Falls Road has Historical and Cultural Significance in that it:

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

MOTION: Commissioner Hartranft moved to find 315 Great Falls Road eligible for single-site historic district 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 Broadhurst seconded the motion.
VOTE: 4-0 (Commissioner Rodgers absent)

709 Grandin Avenue
Planner Ziek stated that this property was nominated for historic designation by its owner, Janet McCool. Ms Ziek read a quote from a local newspaper regarding the construction of the house at 709 Grandin Avenue, which was built in 1893. It was constructed by M. Cronise, although nothing is known about this builder. Ms. Ziek compared 709 with the nearby house at 701 Grandin, which is similar in form, size, and details, even though the two were probably constructed by different individuals. The house at 701 shows what the rear massing would have looked like originally for 709 before a small bathroom was added above the rear porch. The house was named the Corrick-Robertson House for the original owner Charles Corrick, a painter, and Cooke and Mary Robertson, long-term owners from 1927 through 1939.

Alterations to the house include replacing the front porch columns, adding a second-story bathroom, covering the original German siding with vinyl siding, and excavating the basement. However, the house retains a large degree of architectural integrity.

The Chair asked for additional comments before the HDC reviewed the designation criteria. Janet McCool, the property owner, stated that she put the vinyl siding on because she could not get the German wood siding to hold paint. She confirmed that the house is balloon framed.

Suzanne Fisher spoke on behalf of Peerless Rockville in favor of designation. She stated that the house is a good example of Gothic Revival architecture in East Rockville and of the county pattern of development near the railroad. She noted that the interior of the house is beautiful and includes a unique curved wall. The house has been the site of two of Peerless Rockville’s progressive dinners. She mentioned that there is support for designation of a multi-site district in East Rockville, not just individual sites.

Commissioner Broadhurst stated that, as a resident of East Rockville, he thought that the house at 709 Grandin Avenue is a “flagship” in this part of the community. It has representative elements, good proportions, and is well maintained. He cited the McCools as good stewards of their property. Although he found the replacement Corinthian columns “a bit unfortunate,” he was comforted by the amount of integrity retained by the house and the fact that the half-columns are still there.

The HDC reviewed the Historic District Designation Criteria form and determined that the site has local significance. The integrity of the structure was found to have minor alterations. The HDC found that 709 Grandin Avenue has Historical and Cultural Significance in that it:

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

MOTION: Commissioner Moloney moved to find 709 Grandin Avenue eligible for single-site historic district 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 Broadhurst seconded the motion.
VOTE: 4-0 (Commissioner Rodgers absent)

110 North Street (Continuation of evaluation for Doy/Crockett House)
The evaluation of this property was continued from the December 19, 2002 meeting where a full description of the property was provided. Planner Kebba stated that she had obtained more information on the people associated with the house at 110 North Street. She said that she had spoken with neighbors Francine McCants of 106 North Street, and Ella Smith of 104 North Street, to try to clear up some discrepancies regarding the line of property ownership and learn more about the past owners. She learned that Marie Crockett who, along with her husband James, had been the longest owner of the house, had worked as a domestic. Marie continued to live at the house after her husband died and possibly after the foreclosure. The Offutts (Nellie Offutt had been an occupant of the house) were descended from slaves and later worked as farmers, servants and farm hands. She also spoke with Irene Curry, Robert Snowden’s daughter, who now operates Snowden’s Funeral Home with her brother George. Ms. Curry did not know of any connection of her family with the house even though Robert Snowden’s name appeared on City utility records from the 1960s. Ms. Kebba said that it was possible that Robert Snowden had an arrangement to help Marie Crockett financially since they likely were acquainted through church and James Crockett’s funeral arrangements were made by the Snowdens. Jamil Azat, an owner after the Crocketts, paid cash for the house and is an owner of Paissanos Restaurant in Rockville. No further information was available on the next owners, the Ordayas, or the current owners, Mukhtar A. Khan and Karin Meerbaum.

The Chair asked for additional comments before the HDC reviewed the designation criteria. The owner, Mr. Kahn, attended the meeting and stated that he has owned the property since 1985. He originally planned to demolish his house, but may now want to consider other options. He indicated that the foundation for the house was unsafe when he purchased it, and he invested $3,500 to jack up the house and install a new beam to make it safe. The interior space is somewhat limited, as there are only two bedrooms and one bathroom. Mr. Kahn commented that the size would be a detraction for selling the property or for moving in himself, although he commented that the neighborhood is nice and there is a beautiful old tree in the front yard.

Mr. Khan said that he would like to move in himself, but indicated there is much work that would need to be done to make the house livable. The basement floods during heavy rains, and despite two sump pumps remains wet, making the space unusable for storage.

Mr. Kahn stated that he really does not know too much about the historic designation process, but was pleased that he owns “a piece of history.” He has just started to look into possibly pursuing designation of his house. Because work would be required to make the premises livable, he is interested to know what would be covered under the tax credit program. He is willing to prepare a list of what needs to be done to the house to see what could be eligible and staff said that they could go through the list with him.

Commissioner Broadhurst asked if the house was a rental. Mr. Kahn responded that it was on and off, that it was difficult to find a family to rent it because it only has one bathroom. Commissioner Broadhurst asked if the house would it be used as a rental if it were renovated. Mr. Kahn indicated that he would live in it himself with an additional bathroom and added rooms, but the foundation was his major concern because it is on the verge of collapse.

Suzanne Fisher spoke on behalf of Peerless Rockville in favor of designation. She compared this house and the house at 315 Great Falls Road, which were built within four years of each other. She pointed out that it is interesting to note what an African American family could afford at the time versus what a white family could build as a summer residence at about the same time. She feels it is important to preserve both aspects of Rockville’s history.

Commissioner Hartranft asked if Mr. Kahn wished to proceed with designation. He responded that he wanted to hold off. He has posted a for sale sign in case some one wants to purchase the house and restore it, but the callers he has spoken to so far want to demolish. Mr. Kahn would like to restore it if he can afford it, but needs to consider what he can afford.

Planner Kebba reminded him that tax credits do not cover additions, only changes to the existing structure. Commissioner Moloney stated that the HDC could work with him on financial options, especially for the foundation, and determine what may be eligible for tax credits. Planner Kebba stated that staff will need a list of proposed changes to see what is eligible. She stated that the Commission could determine the historic eligibility of this property and then stop the designation process, as was done with 103 Forest Avenue. Commissioner Hartranft asked who initiated the request and Planner Kebba indicated it was initiated after Mr. Kahn called the City asking what he needed to do to demolish the house.

Mr. Kahn said there are other houses on his street that have been demolished or are going to be razed. He does not want to be singled out. He said the other houses on North Street should be considered historic also. He indicated that he will look at his options and get back in touch with the HDC. Planner Kebba responded that the owner of the house at 106 North Street did not follow the City’s building permit procedures and could be fined.

Commissioner Hartranft stated that the HDC needs to be consistent in its goal to preserve historic resources, but if the owner specifically requests to hold the process, the HDC should respect those wishes. She said she was not sure how a recommendation at this point might affect a potential sale of the house. Commissioner Moloney said that if the house has significance and is determined eligible for designation, but not forwarded to the Mayor and Council, that it would still be furthering the HDC’s process.

Commissioner Hartranft asked staff what would happen if the HDC recommended the property as eligible for designation. Planner Christensen stated that the owner wants to hold the process. She stated that the HDC could make a motion to continue the hearing, as was done with the Jerusalem Church demolition request.

MOTION: Commissioner Broadhurst moved that the HDC evaluation of 110 North Street for historical, architectural, or cultural significance be put on hold until further notice from the owner. Commissioner Hartranft seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3-1 (Commissioner Moloney opposed)

III. APPLICATIONS FOR CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL

Planner Kebba presented the staff report on Peerless Rockville’s request to replace an existing wood fence at the Baptist Cemetery with a cast aluminum fence. She stated that the current wood fence is a reproduction of the original wood fence and that Peerless intends to keep a portion of it to show what it was like. Planner Kebba recommended approval.

Suzanne Fisher of Peerless Rockville spoke and indicated that it is not known if the wood fence that was at the Baptist Cemetery previously was original, but it was there in an 1890s photograph. She stated that condition is the reason Peerless wants to replace the fence. While the wood fence is authentic to the 1890s, it is in poor condition. There was a metal fence at the cemetery in the 1930s, but it was removed in the 1940s to support the war effort. Peerless sent letters to surrounding property owners and got a supportive response, including two donations, for replacement. The aluminum fence is the same as the one used at St. Mary’s Cemetery and will require less maintenance. It will also allow passersby to view the interior of the cemetery better than they could with the more solid wood fence.

Commissioner Broadhurst agreed with approval but did suggest that a metal fence could be more easily damaged by cars. Commissioner Moloney recused himself from discussion and voting because he was consulted by Peerless about the fence replacement and wrote a letter in support of the replacement.

MOTION: Commissioner Hartranft moved that the HDC approve the replacement of the wood fence with a black metal one at the Baptist Cemetery. Commissioner Broadhurst seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3-1 (Commissioner Moloney abstaining)

Planner Kebba presented the staff report on the Jacobs’ request to install a lamppost and lantern in front of their house at 112 Forest Avenue. The applicants believe the light is necessary because the City installed a new sidewalk in front of the house which is several inches higher than the old one and requires a step down to the Jacob’s walkway. They are concerned that the step would be a safety hazard if it were not lighted. The wood post has already been installed because the owners did not realize they needed HDC approval for the new lamppost and lantern.

Commissioner Hartranft asked if the owners were clear on when they needed to apply for a Certificate of Approval because they have started work prior to obtaining HDC approval in the past. Planner Kebba responded that she thought so, that the owners are trying to do things the right way but are currently somewhat overwhelmed with the ongoing work to their house. Commissioner Moloney agreed that they are overwhelmed and mentioned that he had spoken to Mr. Jacob, who asked him to come to the house on Saturday for structural advice on the house, but they hadn’t discussed the lamppost.

Commissioner Hartranft recommended requiring the owners to use an incandescent bulb in the lantern fixture to provide appropriate soft lighting.

MOTION: Commissioner Moloney moved that the HDC approve the addition of a lamppost and lamp at 112 Forest Avenue on the condition that an incandescent bulb be used in the lamp fixture. Commissioner Hartranft seconded the motion.
VOTE: 4-0

IV. COURTESY REVIEW Spates Bungalow, 115 Park Avenue

Barbara Sears, a representative of the owner, the Casey Trust, stated that one year ago the owner requested a demolition permit for the house at 115 Park Avenue. The property was then nominated by Peerless Rockville for historic designation. The HDC recommended designation, but the Planning Commission did not. The designation process was put on hold. Although the owner continues to oppose designation, the Casey Trust has decided to explore options other than demolition. They are looking at reusing the residence as an office, which will make on-site parking, ADA accessibility, and stormwater management necessary. They are seeking guidance from the HDC on the building’s reuse as an investment property, their proposed plan, and on the application of Smart Codes.

John Syanick from Greenhorn and O’Mara gave more details on the plan to convert the bungalow to office space. The owner would like to remove the 96 square foot rear porch and replace it with about 350 square feet of interior space and an ADA accessible entrance. The property is zoned 0-1 but the existing setback is allowed to remain.

The resulting 2,400 square foot building size will require eight off-street parking spaces. Mr. Syanick said he located the parking to preserve the largest mature trees to the greatest extent possible. Regrading the current gentle slope to create the parking lot will necessitate a stormwater management facility, which would remove some trees from the rear and low end of the lot. Large significant trees that frame the front and side of the house would be retained.

Commissioner Broadhurst commented that he was pleased to see these plans and the efforts of the Casey Trust to reuse the property and preserve the trees around the façade. He stated that removing a rear porch and sensitively designing a rear addition has happened at other historic properties.

Commissioner Moloney said that materials and proportions for the addition should be sympathetic to the original structure. He also discussed the idea of putting the ADA ramp on the sidefront of the house if there is enough of a setback to avoid having a long ramp with a cover to negotiate the change in grade at the rear of the house. He also mentioned leaving a green swath between the house and parking area. and stated that theThe HDC agreed that it would be willing to work with CPDS staff to permit aencourages waivers such as a stormwater quantity waiver for historic propertiesfor this property in order to provide for this green space if another alternative could not be identified .

Ms. Sears inquired about the use of Smart Codes. Commissioner Moloney encouraged their use. He said that they will not help with meeting ADA requirements, but can help with door widths, stairs, fire separation, and structural issues. Planner Brockett gave Ms. Sears a copy of the Smart Codes Guide.

Commissioner Broadhurst said that there is a design challenge in making a rear addition appropriate. He encouraged the presenters to look at putting the ADA ramp on the north side, but not if it would require too many modifications to the front porch.

Commissioner Hartranft said she was thrilled to see the process taking this positive turn.

Ms. Sears indicated that the owner would take the HDC’s comments into consideration and would continue to work on the idea of reuse.

V. APPLICATION FOR MONTGOMERY COUNTY TAX CREDITS

TXC02-0229 215 Autumn Wind Way (Rose Hill Mansion)
Planner Kebba presented the staff report on the application of the owners of 215 Autumn Wind Way for tax credits. She said that their request to include landscaping was taken out, but all of the termite damage repair costs had been added in because termite damage can affect the building’s structural integrity and even interior repairs are considered eligible in such a case. She stated that there was some ambiguity regarding work done on the sunporch which was an addition to the original house and was altered by the renovation. Planner Kebba approved the work because it had been approved by the HDC and was exterior. Planner Christensen stated that the sunporch dates from the 1935 remodel of the house and is considered historic. Planner Ziek stated that changes to existing features count for tax credits, regardless of their age.

Commissioner Moloney expressed concern since the porch was radically altered, but agreed that the HDC had approved the work. Planner Ziek said that the County makes the final approval for tax credits after reviewing the HDC’s recommendation.

MOTION: Commissioner Moloney moved that the HDC recommend the application for TXC02-0229 for the amount of $59,075.69 be found eligible for the Montgomery County tax credit. Final approval and disbursement will be sought from the County. Commissioner Broadhurst seconded the motion.
VOTE: 4-0

VI. DISCUSSION/UPDATES

Planner Christensen asked the Commissioners to email their availability to attend the 2003 Maryland Preservation and Revitalization conference in Easton on May 2-3. She said that the book, Rockville, Portrait of a City, and the Silver Spring Railroad Station rehabilitation were nominated for awards and it would be nice to have some Montgomery County representation at the Friday evening reception. She also mentioned plans for Preservation Week, which may include a ceremony to honor new designations and a poster contest for schoolchildren.

Suzanne Fisher of Peerless Rockville would like to see separate ceremonies for new designations and preservation awards. She also passed out flyers advertising Peerless Rockville’s lecture on 20th century housing on January 30.

Commissioner Hartranft encouraged attendance at the symposium on modernism in suburban Maryland on February 8.

Commissioner Powell said that Lincoln Park Historical Society will be holding a preservation conference on May 9-11.

VI. ADJOURN

Due to poor weather conditions, the HDC adjourned early at 9:25 p.m.