King Farm Farmstead: Preservation and Potential

The City of Rockville has announced an extensive community engagement process to shape the future of the historic King Farm Farmstead. The initiative, part of a larger master planning effort, aims to determine the adaptive reuse of the property’s buildings while incorporating feedback from residents, organizations and key stakeholders.

Building on Decades of Community Involvement

The King Farm Farmstead project draws upon more than a decade of input, including task force studies, property assessments and economic analyses. This foundational work will guide discussions as the city collaborates with a consultant to evaluate potential uses for each building on the property.

“Our goal is to create a community-based vision for the adaptive reuse of King Farm Farmstead Park,” said Recreation and Parks Director Tara Stewart. “The final conceptual plan will reflect both the unique history of the site and the evolving needs of the Rockville community.”

Engaging the Community

The city has outlined a multilevel engagement strategy using the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) Spectrum as its framework. The engagement will include four levels of participation — inform, consult, involve and collaborate — each designed to foster meaningful dialogue and ensure diverse perspectives are heard.

Inform: The city will provide updates on the park’s history, current conditions and potential future uses through social media, newsletters, print materials and the city’s website.

Consult: Community surveys, interviews, focus groups and public comment opportunities will gather valuable input on adaptive reuse options.

Involve: Open houses, workshops and public engagement platforms will allow residents to engage directly with city staff and the consultant team.

Collaborate: Advanced tools like charrettes, study circles and table talks will facilitate deeper collaboration and idea generation among stakeholders.

Tools for Participation

The city plans to deploy a range of engagement techniques, including public meetings, open houses, community workshops and online surveys. Techniques like card storming (using sticky notes to generate ideas) and appreciative inquiry (positive-focused discussions) will encourage creativity and inclusivity. Community liaisons and focused conversations will also ensure that voices from all corners of Rockville are represented.

A Vision for the Future

The process is designed to culminate in community-based recommendations that will inform the Mayor and Council’s decision on the property’s master plan. The consultant team will provide design concepts, cost estimates and operational impact analyses to aid in decision-making.

“This is an opportunity for the community to play an active role in shaping one of Rockville’s historic treasures,” Stewart said. “We look forward to hearing from residents and working together to reimagine the King Farm Farmstead as a vibrant, functional space for generations to come.”

Residents are encouraged to stay updated on the project and participate in upcoming engagement opportunities.

Nestled along Frederick Road, the King Farm Farmstead stands as a testament to Rockville's rich agricultural heritage. Established in the early 19th century, this historic site has witnessed significant transformations, reflecting the evolution of the region over two centuries.

Early Beginnings

In 1822, Andrew Graff acquired 122 acres along Frederick Road, where his family had lived since 1814. The Graff family cultivated this land for over a century, contributing to the area's agricultural development. A description from 1877 highlights the farm's advantageous location: "The property has a frontage of about a third of a mile on the Frederick Road ... in full view of the Metropolitan Branch of the B&O RR and is located convenient to three railroad stations, the county seat, churches [and] schools."

The King Era

In 1924, W. Lawson King purchased the farm, renaming it "Irvington Farm." Under the King family's stewardship, the farm expanded its operations, becoming the largest dairy farm in Montgomery County with 450 registered Holstein cows. The double dairy barn was central to their operations, and innovations like the hay drying shed were introduced to enhance efficiency and safety. The hay drying shed, a simple pole barn equipped with a gas furnace, was crucial in reducing drying time for fresh hay and preventing hay fires caused by excessive moisture.

Transition and Preservation

As urban development encroached, much of the original farmland was sold and developed. However, the core of the farmstead, comprising eight buildings on seven acres, was preserved. In 2006, the King Farm Farmstead was designated as a historic district, ensuring the protection of its remaining structures.

Recent Developments

In recent years, efforts have been underway to rehabilitate and repurpose the farmstead. The City of Rockville has initiated projects to restore the structural integrity of the buildings, including the installation of modern utilities to support future uses. Community engagement has been a cornerstone of these efforts, with task forces and public discussions exploring viable and sustainable uses for the historic site.

A Living Legacy

Today, the King Farm Farmstead serves as a tangible link to Rockville's agrarian roots. Its preservation offers residents and visitors a glimpse into the region's agricultural past, while ongoing rehabilitation efforts aim to integrate the site into the community's cultural and recreational landscape.

As Rockville continues to grow and evolve, the King Farm Farmstead stands as a reminder of the city's rich history and the enduring value of preserving its heritage.

The historic King Farm Farmstead, a cherished symbol of Rockville’s agricultural past, is at the heart of renewed discussions about its future. With roots tracing back to the early 20th century, the farmstead’s future has been a focus of community-driven studies, reports and recommendations that aim to preserve its legacy while adapting it for contemporary use.

2017: A Vision Takes Shape

In 2017, the King Farm Farmstead Task Force laid out an ambitious vision for the property, emphasizing preservation and adaptive reuse. The Task Force’s report highlighted several key recommendations:

• Farmstead House: Retain and repurpose the main house as a welcome and operations center.
• Dairy Barns: Transform these iconic structures into an indoor marketplace, culinary kitchen and event venue.
• Horse Barn: Convert into a 150-200 seat facility for theater and music events, with additional community uses.
• Smaller Outbuildings: Restore the exteriors to their 1920s-1930s appearance.
• Silos: Turn one into a public astronomical observatory, potentially in partnership with Montgomery College and integrate the other into activities at the Dairy Barn.
• Archaeological Investigation: Conduct a detailed inventory of the site’s historical resources.
• Interpretive Signage: Install educational displays outside the farmstead’s structures to share its history with visitors.

2022: Exploring Viable Reuse Options

A subsequent real estate and market analysis by Partners for Economic Success (PES) in 2022 expanded on these ideas by exploring potential reuse options. Their findings reinforced the importance of continual occupancy to preserve the property, as inactivity can lead to deterioration from weather, intrusions and vandalism.

PES identified a mix of revenue-generating and non-revenue-generating uses, ranging from food production and maker spaces to event venues and bed-and-breakfast accommodations. Despite evaluating market conditions and conducting financial analyses, the consultants concluded that any redevelopment would require substantial city investment. While the report offered a framework for balancing historical preservation and modern functionality, the previous Mayor and Council did not take formal action on the findings.

The Strategic Context: Recreation and Parks Needs

In 2020, the Recreation and Parks Department’s Strategic Plan added a broader perspective to the discussion. The plan highlighted a deficiency of indoor recreation and cultural space across Rockville, including 57,612 square feet of indoor recreation and aquatics space and 7,019 square feet for special use/cultural facilities. Among the top priorities were multi-generational indoor recreation spaces to replace aging facilities—aligning with potential uses for the King Farm Farmstead.

Looking Ahead: Community Engagement Is Key

As discussions about the farmstead’s future continue, community engagement remains essential. The property’s rich history and potential for reuse offer an opportunity to create a vibrant, multi-functional space that meets the needs of residents while preserving its heritage. Whether through public input sessions, partnerships or citywide initiatives, Rockville’s vision for the King Farm Farmstead could soon become a reality.

Stay tuned as the City of Rockville explores opportunities to bring this historic gem back to life, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of the community for generations to come.

The King Farm Farmstead Project is a multifaceted effort aimed at preserving the historic site while planning for its future use. To help the community understand the key concepts behind this initiative, here’s a glossary of terms that highlight essential aspects of the project.

Outreach

A strategic effort to connect with Rockville residents, sharing information about the King Farm Farmstead master planning process and encouraging community participation in engagement opportunities.

Engagement

A collaborative process involving city leaders, residents, community organizations, and other stakeholders. This includes reviewing site information and discussing potential adaptive reuses for the park’s buildings and structures.

Recreation

Activities, programs, and events designed for enjoyment, enrichment, and improved health and wellness for Rockville’s community members.

Park

A public space for recreation and leisure. King Farm Farmstead is one of Rockville’s parks, featuring a community garden, picnic pavilion, greenspace, and historic structures.

Park Planning

A process for defining the use of park resources, visitor experiences, and management strategies. For King Farm Farmstead, this involves exploring adaptive reuse options for existing buildings and surrounding land.

Community Planning and Development

A process where residents, officials, and stakeholders collaborate to create a vision for the city’s future, addressing social, economic, and environmental factors.

Comprehensive Plan

Rockville’s guiding policy document, which sets the city’s vision and goals. It includes 10 elements, such as Recreation and Parks, Historic Preservation, and Community Facilities, that influence the planning of sites like King Farm Farmstead.

Master Plan

A detailed document outlining the long-term vision for King Farm Farmstead Park, including facilities, programming, and community uses. It guides future development and resource allocation.

Historic Preservation

The practice of protecting and preserving historically significant sites, buildings, and artifacts. King Farm Farmstead offers key opportunities for preservation efforts.

Historic District

Properties designated as historic districts, like King Farm Farmstead, are recognized for their importance to Rockville’s heritage. These designations promote preservation and come with higher standards for maintenance and alterations.

J.E.D.I (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion)

Core values embraced by the city to foster a community that is fair, welcoming, and inclusive for all.

Regional Appeal

Ensuring park amenities at King Farm Farmstead attract and serve residents citywide, encouraging community-wide usage and enjoyment.

Multi-Use

Adaptive reuse plans for the site’s buildings aim to support diverse recreational and cultural activities, including classes, events, rentals, and more.

Intergenerational

The site’s future design and programming will be inclusive of all age groups, from preschoolers to seniors, promoting cross-generational participation.

Accessibility

The park’s future must accommodate all individuals, providing physical accessibility for varying abilities, affordable programming, and an inclusive atmosphere.

Flexible Space

Buildings and structures at King Farm Farmstead will be designed with versatility in mind, supporting a wide range of programs and uses.

This glossary underscores the City of Rockville’s commitment to involving the community in shaping the future of King Farm Farmstead Park while preserving its historical significance. For more information, visit the city’s website or attend upcoming community engagement sessions.

The King Farm Farmstead is a historic treasure located in the northeast corner of the King Farm neighborhood. The property includes a collection of eight buildings that reflect its rich history as one of Montgomery County’s largest dairy farms. The City of Rockville is actively working to preserve and repurpose the site, which requires a thorough understanding of the condition of its structures. Below is a summary of the buildings and their current state based on a comprehensive 2014 condition assessment.

Overview of the Property

The King Farm Farmstead spans 7 acres and is part of Rockville's park system. The site includes six primary buildings:

• Main House: Built in 1914, this two-story farmhouse is in good condition but requires updates to address moisture infiltration and improve accessibility.
• Garage: A two-story structure with significant water damage, particularly in the southwest corner. It requires stabilization and substantial repairs.
• Dairy Barns (Buildings 3 & 4): These iconic structures need extensive structural repairs and upgrades to prepare them for potential public use.
• Horse Barn: Due to severe structural deficiencies, it is recommended that this building be demolished and reconstructed using salvaged historic materials.
• Tenant Houses (Buildings 6 & 7): Both require stabilization, with Building 6 experiencing severe moisture damage. Building 7 is in better condition but has limited potential due to its size and ADA compliance challenges.

Key Findings

• Structural Issues: Several buildings suffer from moisture infiltration, which has led to wood rot, foundation damage, and other structural concerns.
• Accessibility: Most buildings lack ADA-compliant entrances, posing challenges for public use.
• Utilities: Existing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems are outdated or nonfunctional and will need replacement or significant upgrades.
• Preservation Needs: The site is a designated historic district, meaning all renovations must align with the standards set by the Rockville Historic District Commission.

Major Projects Completed

Since the assessment, the city has undertaken key projects, including:

• Renovating the hay drying shed into a picnic pavilion (2007).
• Restoring the facades of the dairy barns (2018).
• Installing water and sewer infrastructure for the main house and barns (2024).

Looking Ahead

Preservation efforts will prioritize stabilizing the buildings to prevent further deterioration and ensuring compliance with historical and accessibility standards. Future plans for the adaptive reuse of these structures will depend on community input and detailed design assessments.

For a deeper dive into the condition of each building and the recommended actions, read the full 2014 King Farm Farmstead Property Condition Assessment.

The King Farm Farmstead remains an invaluable part of Rockville's heritage. Its preservation and future use will depend on thoughtful planning and collaboration between the city, community, and stakeholders.

The City of Rockville's Recreation and Parks Strategic Plan, adopted in December 2020, provides a clear vision for meeting the community's recreation and park needs for the next five years. This roadmap ensures long-term sustainability, equity, and quality experiences for residents. Here's what you need to know, including how the historic King Farm Farmstead fits into the city's strategic goals.

Strategic Plan Goals

The Strategic Plan outlines key goals, including:

• Engaging the community through outreach and collaboration.
• Using data-driven insights to understand trends and community needs.
• Establishing benchmarks and standards for future recreation and park services.
• Ensuring financial sustainability and operational efficiency.
• Creating a roadmap for long-term success.

These goals were informed by extensive community input, including surveys, public forums, and stakeholder meetings.

The Role of King Farm Farmstead

The King Farm Farmstead plays a central role in the city’s efforts to balance historic preservation with modern recreation needs. Recognized as a significant cultural and historic asset, the Farmstead is highlighted in the Strategic Plan for its potential to serve as a unique multi-use facility.

Planned Improvements and Goals

The city aims to:

• Preserve and adapt the site’s historic structures for community use.
• Explore programming options that align with Rockville’s cultural and recreational needs.
• Integrate the Farmstead into the broader park system, enhancing access and usability.

The Strategic Plan identifies King Farm Farmstead as part of its "Big Moves" initiative, emphasizing the importance of repurposing the site to serve both historic and modern community needs. Efforts to reimagine the site will consider diverse uses, such as cultural events, educational programming, and leisure activities, while maintaining its historic integrity.

Community Engagement

The Strategic Plan underscores the importance of resident involvement in shaping the city’s recreation future. For the King Farm Farmstead, this includes:

• Community meetings to gather input on adaptive reuse options.
• Surveys and forums to prioritize the site's potential uses.
• Collaboration with stakeholders to ensure equitable and inclusive access.

A Vision for the Future

The Recreation and Parks Strategic Plan envisions Rockville as "the place to make lifelong memories as you live, work, play, and thrive." King Farm Farmstead is a key component of this vision, blending history with recreation to create a space that serves current and future generations.

For more details, read the full Rockville Recreation and Parks Strategic Plan. This document provides an in-depth look at the city's plans and how the community can stay involved in shaping the future of Rockville's parks and recreation.