King Farm Farmstead: Preservation and Potential

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.