Understanding the King Farm Farmstead Buildings and Their Current Condition

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Utilities: Existing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems are outdated or nonfunctional and will need replacement or significant upgrades.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.