Thursday, January 19, 2006
Rockville City Hall
PRESENT | Max van Balgooy, Chair | Andrea Hartranft | Con Hitchcock | Craig Moloney | Anita Neal Powell |
Staff present: Judy Christensen and Robin Ziek, Preservation Planners; Katie McQueen, Planning Intern I. WORKSESSION: The worksession included an agenda review and update. The business meeting was convened at 7:30 P.M. Chairman van Balgooy opened the meeting and introduced the Commissioners. II. COMMITTEE / ORGANIZATION REPORTS A. Peerless Rockville – Suzanne Fisher reported Peerless Rockville’s Educational Program for 2006 is Rockville’s Recent Past. The first program will be held on Wednesday, January 25 at 7:30 p.m. at Maryvale Elementary School. Eileen McGuckian, author of Rockville: Portrait of a City will speak on Rockville in the 1950s and Dr. Teresa Lachin will provide an introduction to Rockville’s modern architecture. The Peerless annual Homes and Hospitality Tour will be held at eight old and new houses in Rockville’s West End Park on May 13. Volunteers and ticket purchasers are welcome. Nominations for Peerless Rockville Awards for historic preservation to be presented in May 2006 are due March 1, 2006. For more information on projects and activities see: www.peerlessrockville.org. B. Lincoln Park Historic Foundation – President Anita Powell reported that she testified on behalf of LPHF at the Montgomery County Planning Board in favor of the County purchase of Uncle Tom’s Cabin and also spoke at the ceremonial deed transfer on January 16. She gave interviews to CNN, News Channel 8 and others in favor of the purchase on behalf of LPHF. An exhibit on Black Churches of Montgomery County will open at the Lincoln Park Historical Foundation office at the Historic Waters House in Germantown on February 4. Jerusalem-Mount Pleasant United Methodist, Mt. Calvary Baptist Church and Crusader Baptist Church will be part of the exhibit. On February 25, LPHF will present an educational tour. For more information on the tour and other LPHF activities see: www.aapc-md.org. C. Comments- Historic District Commissioners/ Staff (a) Historic District Commission: Commissioner Moloney reported: the Glenview Mansion Subcommittee had met and City Forester Susan Nolde had explained that a tree assessment showed some trees would need to be removed and perhaps replaced, including the large sycamore tree by the Mansion. The committee discussed the placement of the historic plaque on the building and the upcoming 50th anniversary of the City’s ownership of Glenview on June 30, 2007. The City is setting up a Task Force on the new zoning ordinance, to work over the upcoming year. Should the HDC be involved? The commissioners agreed they would like to be involved, and staff will find out more information. Commissioner Hartranft provided an update on attending the DC Modern Conference. It was valuable use of their time and thanks to the City for sending the HDC and staff. Regarding resources 50 years or less, she thinks we are on the right track, similar to comparable jurisdictions.
III. RECOMMENDATION TO MAYOR AND COUNCIL FOR HISTORICAL, ARCHITECTURAL OR CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE A. 50 Monroe Street
Owner: Lawrence Guss et al, Ronald Cohen Management Co.
Address: 50 Monroe - IBM Building (1958-1959)
Application: DEM2006-00064 (Application for Demolition) The HDC considered the written recommendation to be forwarded to the Mayor and Council.
MOTION: Commissioner Moloney moved, seconded by Commissioner Neal-Powell, to forward the written recommendation to the Mayor and Council. Discussion: The Commission commended the staff on the written recommendation.
VOTE: 5-0
IV. COURTESY REVIEW A. King Farm Hay Drying Shed
Owner: Department of Recreation and Parks, Rob Orndorff, Project Manager
Proposal: Reconstruct pole barn for use as public picnic shelter There was no staff report. Rob Orndorff made a presentation, explaining how the cost for stabilizing the hay barn and preparing it for reuse as a picnic shelter has moved from $50,000 to $213,000. The biggest problem with the existing building is wind uplift pressures on the roof, addressing snow loads, wind shear, and meeting code for the change in use. The Recreation Department proposes to deconstruct the building and save what materials they can (such as exterior siding) and save the machinery. They will then reconstruct an in-kind structure that meets code. They will let it out to bid. Commissioner Moloney noted that the new roof trusses would be hidden. Mr. Orndorff noted that the original poles are a mixture of telephone, cedar, or missing. They will put in pressure-treated poles right in the ground as originally constructed. The question of exhibiting the wheel channels was discussed and brick, different color of concrete, or a stamped or textured pattern to indicate the channels were proposed to mark this feature. Brick was not favored, but some texture or color or both could be used to indicate the channels. The floor itself has to be flat with no protrusions or indentations for safety reasons. The question was raised on how best to interpret the machinery. There is no interior lighting planned, so the machinery room will be dark. A new electricity drop will cost $75,000, which is excessive, as the picnic shelter is not to be illuminated. Interpretive signs are preferred to a Plexiglas panel. But, the first goal is to get the building up and in use. Commissioner Moloney suggested matching the current extent of the concrete flooring, and not extend it under the machine room. The time frame is soon: the specs and bids will go out and come back within the next three months. City will salvage what they can, put boards back where they came from or replaced as necessary, and everything will be painted. Regarding archaeology: the City has no intention to do any investigations, as there is a strict limit in the area of disturbance, which is only the pad under the hay-drying shed. They will watch, and stop work if anything surfaces. Commissioner Van Balgooy said this is more like rehabilitation and would not require advance archaeology. Mr. Orndorff reviewed the City’s current practice at the Beall-Dawson House: any artifacts they find during maintenance work are given to the Montgomery County Historical Society. They stop work if anything is found and investigate. The City should include the Standards for Rehabilitation in the bid package and the field drawings of the project should come back to the HDC with the proposed.
V. CERTIFICATES OF APPROVAL A. HDC2005-00342
Applicant: Mike and Christine Henry
Address: 315 Great Falls Road
Request: Replace non-original rear door & fixed panels. Staff Ziek gave a short presentation, and the owner, Chris Henry, told the HDC that she agreed with the staff conditions. Her major concern is the energy efficiency of the old doors, which are two fixed multilight doors with a larger hinged multilight door in the center. Commissioner Moloney noted that the proposed replacement doors are a different size than the existing doors although they are in the same opening. He is also concerned with the vinyl-clad product and asked about color; he preferred an aluminum-clad product as paintable and presenting a crisper outline. The owner wants the exterior to be a cream color to match the trim color of the windows, which is available from the factory. The grill on the door would be a multi-light pattern. Commissioner Moloney suggests a bonded grill that can’t be removed for the appearance of true divided lights. The question arose whether this was an original feature of the house. The owner was told it was not as the house started out as a stable, and was later renovated as a summerhouse. The HDC was concerned about changing the existing doors (narrow door-wide fixed window-narrow door) with sliding glass doors of equal size. Staff (Judy Christensen) notes that the new growth pinewood is prone to deterioration so staff was reluctant to recommend a new wood door for exterior use. Commissioner Van Balgooy noted that this feature is not visible to the public. Commissioner Hartranft didn’t oppose the change from hinged to slider. No comments were offered from the audience on this application.
MOTION: Commissioner Hartranft moved, seconded by Commissioner Moloney to approve the proposal as submitted and presented with the following conditions: 1) Maintain the same opening size;
2) Use a wood-core door;
3) Use an aluminum-clad product;
4) The sliding door is permissible, and
5) Use a bonded exterior grill for a multi-light affect.
VOTE:5-0 B. HDC2005-00343
Applicant: Peter Neame
Address: 106 N. Adams St.
Request: Replace non-original rear skylights with dormers and windows, addition of new accessory building; make changes to existing accessory buildings (outbuildings). Staff Ziek gave a short presentation. The applicant, Mr. Neame, noted the prior approval for a rear addition in 2001. They are doing improvements in phases, and have dropped the idea of an extension or addition in favor of adding living space to the attic. Instead, they want to add an internal stairway (to code) to the attic and add three dormers to replace existing rear slope skylights. The larger central dormer will accommodate the stairway and be flanked by two smaller dormers. All new exterior construction will match the existing building in materials and design. In addition, he noted that there is extensive termite damage to the mid-20th Century outbuildings and they need a lot of work. Staff noted that the outbuildings are a valuable and unique property feature as architectural parts from earlier eras had been used in the construction. The owner was supportive of saving the historic windows and other features in the outbuildings. He noted that the north side of the outbuildings needs proper siding, as this faces their neighbors. For the new work on the house, they will match the existing materials. He also requested a new pre-fabricated storage shed behind the existing group of outbuildings. It will not be visible from any public way. The Commission found the replacement of skylights with dormers as shown on the plans a reasonable solution. The dormers are on the rear of the building and will not affect the public views of the historic house. On the outbuildings, Commissioner Moloney noted that the existing gutterboards don’t match up for the different segments of the outbuildings and this is part of their character and charm. He recommended keeping this condition with the new work. He also recommended use of storm windows while maintaining the existing historic wood windows. Commissioner Van Balgooy concurred that the outbuildings are quirky and picturesque. He suggested this should be maintained by retaining the diversity of window size, placement and design rather than replacing all windows with the same model. He also noted that the side facing the garden has priority over the opposite side of the buildings. The HDC expressed no issues or concerns with the pre fabricated storage shed as it is not part of the public view of the property and is not permanent. The property owner said he was satisfied with the suggestions of the HDC. No comments were offered from the audience on this application.
MOTION: Commissioner Moloney moved, seconded by Commissioner Hitchcock to approve the proposal as submitted and presented with the following conditions: 1. Applicant will repair historic windows in outbuildings.
2. Will preserve existing fenestration pattern on south side of the outbuildings.
3. On rear of outbuildings, 1/1 or true divided light wood window sashes are acceptable.
4. Use plain lapped siding on the west and north elevations of the outbuildings.
5. Tool shed portion to have lower gutterboard than studio, but not as high as workshop to differentiate in height.
VOTE: 5-0
VI. EVALUATION FOR HISTORICAL, ARCHITECTURAL OR CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE A. Cook House / 302 Lincoln Avenue [MHT 26/15/2]
Owner: Carolyn Lewis, et. al.
Address: 302 Lincoln Avenue
Application: Designation request (by Owner) Staff Christensen presented the history of the site, which was built in 1894. It is a brick rowhouse-style dwelling with ornamental details often found on the railroad buildings of the late 19th Century designed by architect E. Francis Baldwin for the B &O Railroad. The original owners and builders are thought to have worked for the railroad. The condition is altered, but not significantly. It still has a hand water pump in the side yard but the garden, chicken coop and an outhouse have been removed. This is a unique structure in Rockville and in Lincoln Park. The original owners were George and Fannie Hill Cook (daughter of Reuben Hill). They sold the property to Harry and Minnie Waters in 1929. It has remained in the ownership of descendants of Harry and Minnie Waters to the present time. The property was identified in 1975 as significant in the County historic resources survey as well as in the 1986 Rockville Resources Management Plan. There is some potential for archaeology. Staff presented the eligible categories in the adopted criteria for designation as part of the staff report. The house and property met three historical criteria and two architectural criteria. The Historic District Commission found it met three of the four adopted Rockville criteria for Historical and Cultural Significance and two of five criteria for Architecture as follows: I. Historical And Cultural Significance: B. Is identified with a person or a group of persons who influenced society. Identified with the Reuben Hill family and the Cook family. Reuben Hill was a slave that served in the Civil War and purchased land near the present community of Lincoln Park after emancipation. He and his wife are considered among the first settlers of this community, and many in the community are descendants of Reuben and Rachel Hill. Their daughter, Fannie Hill, and her husband George Cook built this second generation house that shows their occupational status as an employee of the railroad. C. Exemplifies the cultural, economic, social, political or historic heritage of the County and its communities. Is included in Historic Context 6, “Maturation and Expansion of the County Seat, 1873-1931” under Theme 2, “Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Community Planning” under Lincoln Park (page 120) and under “Architecture”. It is listed as currently identified resource #86, the Cooke House (M:26/15/2.) It also qualifies under African American history, post-civil war. D. Has character, interest, or value as part of the development, heritage or cultural characteristics of the City, County, State, or Nation. Has interest for its unique architectural style that reflects new employment opportunities for African Americans that provided better pay and benefits than the previous farm and day labor. It also shows that African Americans were exploring opportunities in industries outside of Rockville and returning with influences from more sophisticated and more urban settings.
II. Architectural and design significance: A. Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction. It illustrates the late 19th Century urban brick rowhouse with detailed ornamental front façade and less significant side facades, a style not found elsewhere in Rockville during this era, or in Montgomery County except in Georgetown. It borrows details from the railroad architecture of E. Francis Baldwin and other of this period. E. Represents an established or familiar visual feature of the neighborhood, community or county due to its singular physical characteristic or landscape. It is an established visual feature due to its singular and unique physical characteristics. Ms. Jacqueline Lewis and her sister spoke for the family. The Lewis family is very proud of the history of the property and intends to rehabilitate the house for the next generation. Their mother was born in the house in 1929. There are very few physical changes to the house. Staff presented the owners with copies of research from the 1880-1930 US Census records. Commissioner Hitchcock asked if there are any old family photos of the property, but the family responded that their photos would not show much about the house. Peerless Rockville has photos dating after 1978. Commissioner Van Balgooy noted that, once designated, HDC approval would be required prior to alterations; and, the applicant would also be eligible for Montgomery County and Maryland State tax credits. Eileen McGuckian, of Peerless Rockville, submitted a letter in support of the nomination. She noted that this was amongst the first group of lots sold by William Welsh before his death in 1919 and one of the earliest existing houses remaining in Lincoln Park.
MOTION: Commissioner Hartranft moved, seconded by Commissioner Neal-Powell, to accept the staff’s recommendations on the Criteria for designation, and recommend historic district designation to the Mayor and Council for 302 Lincoln Avenue. Discussion: Commissioner Moloney thanked the family for this generous action, which will share the history of this building and the families that lived in it with the community.
VOTE: 5-0
VII. DISCUSSION/UPDATES A. FY’06 Workplan and Budget B. Proposed 5-year goals and activities After review of the proposed plans, Commissioner Hartranft suggested that Rockville Library and the Nations Bank be added to the list of MHT forms to prepare. In response to her question about the installation of the date plaques and installation on “asbestos” siding, staff replied that staff member Cindy Kebba is working on this and making steady progress and could respond to installation on asbestos sided buildings. Commissioner Hartranft also noted that the Rockville Resources map needs to be updated and Peerless Rockville’s GIS data should be added to make it accessible. The HDC questioned how and by what means this information could be presented to the public. Ms. McGuckian noted that Peerless is using their web site for this. They have completed three phases and are working on their fourth, but each phase has very small funding levels, never more than $3,500 for the year. Commissioner Hartranft stated that the City should be proactive and not react to situations at the last minute. She suggests moving up the research on the Library and the Bank, which are proposed for demolition.
Commissioner Van Balgooy was concerned about the loss of staff. He suggested that maybe the City should hire a contractor to do research. He was concerned that the workplans are over-ambitious. Regarding the Historic Resources Management Plan, if a complete update is not possible at this time, he suggested updating the modern period context to 1984.
C. Commission Business It was proposed at a previous meeting that HDC should co-sponsor Peerless Rockville’s 2006 educational program and conference. It was proposed that if the HDC does co-sponsor the program, that they be videotaped to be presented on Cable Channel 11 and shared with the community. Staff noted that this is not currently in the budget, and if not added, a camera crew would need to be hired for this purpose. In discussion, the HDC noted that its mission encompasses public education and this series meets that need without staff preparing programs. Commissioner Moloney made a MOTION, seconded by Commissioner Hitchcock, to co-sponsor the 2006 Peerless Rockville educational programs and conference. VOTE: 5-0 Commissioner Van Balgooy reviewed the process flow charts he prepared for the Commission Handbook. Each box shape has a meaning: squiggle is a document; diamond is a decision point; rectangle is the larger process; oval marks an end. Need to add in “Decision can be appealed” under Designation chart too. Commissioner Hitchcock asked if a time period restriction existed for designations as well as applications. Staff responded that unlike the 45-day requirement for an HDC decision of proposed alterations, there is no prescribed schedule for the consideration of historic designations.
VIII. MINUTES
Meeting No. 11-2005, November 17, 2005 Commissioner Neal Powell corrected the title of Lincoln Park Historical Society to Historical Foundation and the email address to aapc-md.org and noted that minutes incorrectly referred to the Lincoln Park Civic Association on page 1 rather than to the correct title, the Lincoln Park Historical Foundation. MOTION: Commissioner Hitchcock moved, seconded by Commissioner Hartranft to approve the minutes of the November 17, 2005 HDC meeting as corrected.
VOTE: 5-0 Commissioner Hartranft noted the use of the word “destroy” instead of “demolish” at the DC Modern Conference. She thinks that is much stronger, and may get more attention. She also asked about the definition of the word “exceptional” in the National Register criteria for evaluating significance of building less than 50 years old. She noted that there is a standard of “local exceptional” which does not require meeting the national register or state standard. This may be important for Rockville buildings that are less than 50 years old. Also, she notes that the test of “exceptional” must be applied at 49 years old, but not at 51 years old and questioned how two years can make a substantial difference to the historic significance of the building. She suggested that perhaps the 50-year rule should be re-examined. Peerless Rockville wants to work with the HDC to build the questions to be answered in the October conference on modernism in Rockville.
IX. ADJOURN: The HDC adjourned at 10:43 pm. Respectfully submitted, Judy Christensen and Robin Ziek |
