historic structures report and ... - calvert county, md

Historic Structures Report and Preservation Plan for the George E. Rice House and Outbuildings at the Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm 2695 Grays Road, Prince Frederick Calvert County, Maryland USA Final Report April 1, 2013 Purchase No. 2013-016 Prepared for the Board of County Commissioners of Calvert County Prince Frederick, Maryland

Table of Contents

HISTORIC STRUCTURES REPORT AND PRESERVATION PLAN: GEORGE E. RICE HOUSE AND OUTBUILDINGS FINAL REPORT, APRIL 1, 2013

SWANKE HAYDEN CONNELL ARCHITECTS I ROBERT SILMAN ASSOCIATES ToC-1

Table of Contents 1 Executive Summary

A. Purpose and Methodology

B. Project Data

C. Summary Findings and Recommendations 2 Architectural Assessment

A. History and Context

B. Physical Description Site Structures

George E. Rice House Meat House Cow Barn Corn Crib Water Well

C. Condition Assessment

George E. Rice House Exterior Interior Doors and Windows

Outbuildings and Ancillary Structures Meat House Cow Barn Corn Crib Water Well

3 Structural Assessment

A. Physical Description George E. Rice House Meat House Cow Barn Corn Crib

Table of Contents


SWANKE HAYDEN CONNELL ARCHITECTS I ROBERT SILMAN ASSOCIATES ToC-2

B. Condition Assessment

George E. Rice House Exterior Interior

Outbuildings Meat House Cow Barn Corn Crib

C. Structural Analysis

4 Treatment and Work Recommendations

A. Work Recommendations 5 Supplemental Information

A. Measured Architectural Drawings

B. Bibliography

Executive Summary


SWANKE HAYDEN CONNELL ARCHITECTS I ROBERT SILMAN ASSOCIATES 1-1

1 Executive Summary A Purpose and Methodology

In response to a request for proposals from the Board of County Commissioners of Calvert County (CCG), located in Prince Frederick, Maryland, Swanke Hayden Connell Architects and their sub-consultants, Robert A. Silman Associates (hereafter, SHCA and RSA) were retained to prepare a historic structures report and preservation plan for the George E. Rice House and Outbuildings. These structures are located on the Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm in Calvert County, Maryland on the eastern seaboard of the United States. The main goals of this project include: To identify character-defining features of the George E. Rice House

and associated Outbuildings To document and develop existing conditions of the buildings,

including structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems To develop a plan to stabilize the George E. Rice House and

Outbuildings as the first step in implementing the George E. Rice Farmstead portion of the Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm Master Plan

To fully assess the feasibility of rehabilitating all or part of the George E. Rice House to the extent that it could house a full-time caretaker for the heritage farm

On January 15, 2013, SHCA met with engineers from RSA and Calvert County officials. Following the meeting, SHCA and RSA conducted a visual investigation of the various buildings on the property to identify existing structural configurations, member sizes, and conditions. SHCA continued field investigation of January 16, 2013. The survey included color photography of the site, and of the interior and exterior of the buildings; measurements of the buildings’ interior and exterior for the purpose of CAD drawing preparation; and observation of the existing materials and construction techniques.

In addition to the field survey, SHCA reviewed existing data (both historic and geographic information) on the buildings, their immediate site, their location on the Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm, and the surrounding area of the town of Prince Frederick and Calvert County. Sources utilized for this purpose including the Calvert County Archives and the Maryland Historic Trust.

Executive Summary



SHCA prepared measured architectural drawings of the individual structures, including the George E. Rice House, Cow Barn, Meat House and Corn Crib. The site topographic plan and aerial photographs from 1938 through 2003 were provided by Calvert County.

Based on the findings within this report and their subsequent acceptance by CCG, SHCA and its consultants shall prepare construction documents and a cost estimate for recommended stabilization and rehabilitation treatments of the structures and site based on the recommended and accepted treatment options.

B Project Data Property Data

Property Name: George E. Rice House and Outbuildings at the Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm

Property Address: 2695 Grays Road City, State, Zip: Prince Frederick, Maryland 20678 County: Calvert Legislative District: 5/29C Tax Map #: 30 Tax Parcel #: 336 Designation Information

National Historic Landmark: No Listed on the National Register of Historic Places: No Listed as part of a National Register Historic District: No Local Landmark: No Listed as part of a Local Historic District: No Listed in the Maryland Inventory of Historic Places (MIHP): Yes MIHP Inventory #: CT-1359 Property Owner Data Organization: Calvert County Government Contact Name: Karyn Molines, Natural Resources Division Address: 175 Main Street City, State, Zip: Prince Frederick, Maryland 20678 Website: www.co.cal.md.us Phone: 410-535-5327 E-mail: [email protected]

Executive Summary



Project Team Architect: Swanke Hayden Connell & Partners, LLP

3007 Tilden Street, N.W, Suite 2L-100 Washington, DC 20008

George Alexander, AIA, RIBA

Principal/Secretary of the Board [email protected]

John Yarborough, Project Coordinator

[email protected] Elizabeth Moss, LEED AP

Associate Principal, Director of Historic Preservation [email protected] Ashley Albahary, LEED AP

Historic Preservationist [email protected] Structural Engineer: Robert Silman Associates 1053 31st Street NW Washington DC, 20007

Nicole Ferran, Associate [email protected]

Michael Kostick, Structural Engineer [email protected]

C Summary Findings and Recommendations

The George E. Rice House and Outbuildings are historically significant and worthy of preservation. Together, they constitute a tangible means of interpreting the African American history on the Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm in Southern Maryland. The story they tell is worth understanding, preserving and interpreting for the public. The buildings included as a focus of this report are:

Structure A – George E. Rice House Structure B – Meat House Structure C – Cow Barn Structure D – Corn Crib Structure E – Water Well

Executive Summary



As there is no evidence that there was ever any electrical service to the house or any indoor plumbing, its code-compliant inclusion will need to be carefully and sympathetically integrated in future rehabilitation of the George E. Rice House for any proposed use for live-in caretaker for the heritage farm. The Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm – home to the George E. Rice House and associated outbuildings – is set to become an important destination for education and heritage tourism. The rehabilitation of the George E. Rice House and outbuildings will provide a tangible means of interpreting the African American history of the site; they illustrate early to mid-20th century small-scale farming, as well as the role of African Americans as landowners and tenant farmers. Their preservation is vital to understanding African American heritage and culture in the region, and will serve to convey the story of the Rice family and their connection to the land, and the ways in which African Americans shaped the physical and social landscape of Southern Maryland at the time.

Architectural Assessment



2 Architectural Assessment A History and Context

The George E. Rice House and associated outbuildings are located on the 196-acre Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm and are part of the Calvert County Rural Legacy Area. In 1902, a portion of the existing 196-acre site (later named the Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm) was sold to George E. Rice (b. circa 1882)1, an African-American farmer and landowner who lived on the property with his wife, Mary, until 1938. The George E. Rice House and associated outbuildings, constructed between 1915 and 1938, constitute part of the Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm. The George E. Rice House was built in at least three phases between 1915 and 1938, as illustrated in the diagram below. The earliest construction is a one-story portion, to the far south, shaded in blue below. The middle portion of the house, shaded in purple, was built next, followed by the two-story portion, shaded in yellow. The entire structure is a wood frame construction and has gabled roofs and a porch that extends across the east side of the two story addition.

Physical evidence supports three distinct phases of construction. Firstly, at the juncture between the two-story portion and the one-story wing, the concrete pier at the foundation of the two-story portion was poured against and around the pre-existing stacked stone pier foundation of the one-story wing. This suggests that the two-story portion was built after the one-story portion was already in place.

1 Master Plan, pg. 32




Figure 1: The juncture between the two-story portion and the earlier one-story wing at the concrete pier and stacked stone footings.

Additionally, at the junctures between portions of the house constructed in different phases, the width of the clapboard siding does not match, suggesting that the entire structure was not built at the same time.

Figure 2: Clapboard siding of different widths at the juncture between two portions of the house.

There is also a change of roofing material that occurs at the one-story portion. The southernmost extension is topped with corrugated sheet metal while the adjacent portion and the two-story portion are roofed with standing seam galvanized sheet metal.




Figure 3: West elevation showing the juncture at the roof between the original portion (corrugated sheet metal) and a later addition (standing seam sheet metal) to the house.

While the exact construction dates of each portion of the George E. Rice House is unknown, the house and associated outbuildings were occupied and utilized for agricultural purposes by George E. Rice and his wife, Mary, until 1938. In 1938, George E. Rice forfeited the property due to failure to pay his mortgage. William B. Gray, a local white landowner, purchased the property and turned it into a tenant house for sharecroppers who worked the land.2 The house has been vacant for many years and shows extensive signs of deterioration. In addition to the George E. Rice House, the property has three associated outbuildings – a Meat House, a Cow Barn, and a Corn Crib – and a Water Well, all located to the south of the main house. The structures first appear in 1938 aerial maps of the Grays Road area, aligning their construction dates to that of the George E. Rice House, somewhere between 1915 and 1938.3

2 Master Plan, pg. 32 3 Master Plan, pg. 34




Figure 4: 1938 aerial view of the site, showing the George E. Rice House and Outbuildings just south of Grays Road.

As is the case with the main house, the outbuildings were occupied by farm tenants until they were abandoned in the 1960’s.4 They have remained unoccupied since and have not been maintained. The building envelopes are no longer waterproofed and are threatened by neglect as well as the natural elements. Left untreated, the buildings will continue to deteriorate at an accelerated rate.

The proposed future use of the house and outbuildings will center on heritage education and tourism. The farmstead is a centerpiece of a 196-acre property that Calvert County is developing as a heritage farm, with the help of a master plan that was adopted in December 2010. One of the main goals for the George E. Rice House and Outbuildings is to provide a tangible means for interpreting the African American history of the heritage farm. As stated in the Master Plan itself, the design “proposes the rehabilitation of all the structures to create an interpretive experience that allows visitors to not only view the history but also to be immersed within it as an active participant in three-dimensional space.”5

4 Master Plan, pg. 32 5 Master Plan, 32




Chronology of Important Events

1902 A portion of the current 196-acre site sold to George E. Rice, an African-American farmer, who lived on the property with his wife, Mary.

1915-1938 The farmhouse and associated outbuildings built.

1938 George E. Rice lost his property in foreclosure. William B.

Gray purchased the property, which was adjacent to his other property on Grays Road.

1947 William Gray’s son, Biscoe, inherited the property.

2004 Biscoe Gray’s heirs sold the land to Calvert County as part

of the Rural Legacy Program. B Physical Description

Site

The George E. Rice House and Outbuildings are located on the Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm, to the south of Grays Road in Prince Frederick, Maryland. The site is predominated by rolling hills, agricultural fields and marshland edged by hardwood forests.

Figure 5: Rolling hills and hardwood forests of Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm (at left) and the George E. Rice House visible through the trees (at right, circled in red)

In 2004, Calvert County purchased the property as part of the Rural Legacy Program with the intention of developing it to promote tourism and heritage education. The Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm Master Plan (the Master Plan) was commissioned by Calvert County in 2009 and completed in 2010. A significant portion of this report is founded on work conducted in the Master Plan. As described in the 2010 Master Plan prepared by Poole Design, LLC, of the 196-acres, only approximately 35-acres of the site are suitable for development.




Figure 6: Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm, showing the location of the George E. Rice House and Outbuildings6 Along with the George E. Rice House and its associated outbuildings, the Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm site contains the following buildings, landscape features and archaeological sites:

Plumer-Cranford Barn Rolling Road Colonial Archaeological Site 19th Century House Cat Hole/Prehistoric Archaeological Site

Several cultural resource investigations were previously documented in a separate report, “Archaeological Investigations at Four Locations on the Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm, Calvert County, Maryland,” dated June 2010.

6 http://calvertgis.co.cal.md.us/flexviewer_history/




Structures

The George E. Rice House and associated outbuildings are located just south of Grays Road in Prince Frederick, Maryland, as seen in the 2011 aerial photograph below.

Figure 7: 2011 aerial view of the site, showing the George E. Rice House and Outbuildings just south of Grays Road. The following structures, which are collectively known as the George E. Rice House and Outbuildings, were surveyed by SHCA and RSA on January 15 and 16, 2013:

Structure A – George E. Rice House (residence) Structure B – Meat House (outbuilding) Structure C – Cow Barn (outbuilding) Structure D – Corn Crib (outbuilding) Structure E – Water Well (ancillary structure)




Structure A – George E. Rice House

The George E. Rice House is L-shaped and occupies a footprint of approximately 667 square feet. The main entrance is at the porch of the two-story portion of the house, which measures approximately 16’ x 16’ in plan. There is a one-story wing, which pre-dates the two-story portion of the house. This one-story wing was constructed in two sections of nearly equal length, with the southernmost portion predating the central extension. The wing extends approximately 32 feet to the south of the two-story portion. The house does not sit on a continuous foundation, but rather is raised on a combination of stacked stone and concrete piers (the two-story main portion of the house is supported on poured concrete piers, while the one-story wing rests on stacked stone piers), with an open crawl space and earth below. The structure is wood-framed with clapboard siding, gabled roofs, two (2) brick chimneys and a one-story covered porch.




All roofs have a fairly deep overhang past the building façade below and were built without a gutter and rain leader system. The roofing material is galvanized sheet metal. Galvanized steel is a base of carbon/iron steel with a metallic coating of zinc. The galvanized sheet metal is a combination of corrugated and standing seam. Corrugated roofing, also referred to as sheet roofing, is the most economical form of metal roofing. The defining characteristic of corrugated roofing is large panels (or sheets) that overlap and have exposed fasteners. The house has three (3) wood entrance doors (two located in the earliest one-story portion at the southern extension and one located at the porch of the two-story portion of the house). All eleven single-paned wood windows have 6/6 double-hung sash. The porch, located at the east elevation of the two-story portion of the house, also has a standing seam galvanized sheet metal roof. The wood-framed sloped roof was supported by three chamfered wood columns, each centered on a concrete pier below. Two decorative pilasters are attached to the house and are aligned with the two end columns.

Figure 8: East Elevation of George E. Rice House




Figure 9: North Elevation of George E. Rice House

Figure 10: South Elevation of George E. Rice House

Figure 11: West Elevation of George E. Rice House

The interior contains three (3) rooms on the ground floor and two (2) rooms on the second floor. Based on the location, size and layout of the rooms, and the remaining finishes and furnishings, the three rooms of the ground floor would have been for communal use as a front room (parlor), informal dining room and a kitchen. The kitchen includes a closet with built-in shelving that likely served as a staple food pantry. The second floor contains a hallway and two small bedrooms. There is no evidence that there was ever any electrical service or any indoor plumbing. Throughout both stories of the house, the flooring is composed of tongue-and-groove wood floor boards of different widths. The kitchen and dining room have added layers of built-up linoleum on top of the wood floor boards. Millwork takes the form of baseboards, built-in cabinetry, and interior window and door trim. Bead board, plaster board, plywood, and paint are used throughout on the walls and ceilings. All interior doors are wood, none of which have any extant




locks, latch sets or doorknobs. Door hinges are the only remaining hardware.

Structure B – Meat House

The Meat House, measuring approximately 7’ x 8’, is the closest building to the main house and historically would have been used for the smoking (curing) of meat. The Meat House is a wood-framed structure clad in vertical and horizontal wood sheathing, with a corrugated metal roof that slopes towards the east. There are no gutters present on the structure. Inside, there is a concrete slab on grade with a rectangular opening, which would have been used as a fire pit.

Figure 12: North elevation of Meat House

Figure 13: West elevation of Meat House




Figure 14: South elevation of Meat House

Figure 15: East elevation of Meat House

Structure C – Cow Barn

The Cow Barn, measuring approximately 18’-6” x 19’, is a wood-framed structure with cross-bracing at the interior, and is clad with vertical wood sheathing. It has a standing seam metal roof that slopes to the south, and there are no gutters present. It has a large doorway on the east elevation that could have accommodated farm animals and equipment. The north portion of the structure is enclosed and was apparently used as a chicken coop.




Figure 16: North elevation of Cow Barn

Figure 17: East elevation of Cow Barn

Figure 18: West elevation of Cow Barn




Figure 19: South elevation of Cow Barn

Structure D - Corn Crib

The Corn Crib, measuring approximately 10’ x 15’, is a wood-frame structure with wood sheathing on the north half and open wood slats cladding the south half. Its vertical proportions suggest this building was used for the storage of corn cobs; the slatted sides of the corn crib would have let air circulate and allow the corn to dry. The roof is pitched to the east and west and covered with standing seam sheet metal. Like the house and other outbuildings, there are no gutters present. The structure sits on poured concrete piers; to deter animals from accessing the structure, corn cribs were typically raised above the ground on piers to support its frame, as seen in the photos below.

Figure 20: East elevation of Corn Crib




Figure 21: North elevation of Corn Crib

Figure 22: West elevation of Corn Crib




Figure 23: South elevation of Corn Crib

Structure E – Water Well

The Water Well consists of a concrete pad with a square hole in the center over a pit. This structure was not a primary focus of the report, and so it was not evaluated for condition or significance.

Figure 24: Water Well

C Condition Assessment

George E. Rice House: Exterior

Foundation

The concrete pier foundation at the two-story portion of the house is in overall good condition. All concrete piers are in-tact and there is very




limited visible cracking. The stacked stone piers at the foundation of the one-story wing look to be in fair to poor condition. They’re not set in mortar and stones have shifted, and in some areas, become unstable.

Figure 25: Poured concrete piers at the foundation of the two-story portion of the house

Figure 26: Stacked stone piers at the foundation of the one-story wing

Porch

Overall, the porch is in poor condition. The structure is unstable, falling apart, and is detached from the house. The standing seam metal roof is rusted and deformed. The roof rafters show signs of end rot, and the floor boards are rotted and completely caved in, with only about half of the porch framing remaining in-tact. Of the three (3) wood columns, none of them sit on the concrete pier bases. The southern end one is the only column still attached to the porch; the middle column is detached and has been temporarily reinstalled off-center to hold the porch roof up; the northern end column has completely detached from the porch and is laying partially on the ground and partially on the rotten porch decking.




Figure 27: East elevation of the porch, showing the rusted and deformed sheet metal roofing

Figure 28: East elevation of the porch, showing the concrete pier foundation, deteriorated wood flooring, and missing and fallen wood posts

Figure 29: South elevation of the porch, showing the roof detached from the house




Wood Sheathing

The exterior wood sheathing, also referred to as clapboard siding in this report, is in overall fair to poor condition on all façades of the house. Pieces are rotted, loose and/or missing, and some areas of clapboard siding are punctured through and expose the interior of the house to the elements. Much of the material is heavily weathered and warped, and painted coatings are deteriorated throughout.

Figure 30: South elevation of the two-story portion of the house, showing loose and/or missing pieces of clapboard siding

Figure 31: Close-up of clapboard siding, showing paint deterioration




Roof

Overall, the sheet metal roof is in fair to good condition. The roof – corrugated metal at the earliest part of the house, and standing seam at the two later additions – appears to be structurally stable and in-tact, but shows signs of rust, deterioration, and limited areas of deformation, particularly around the eaves. The rafters show signs of end rot at the eaves due to exposure to water and other elements.

Figure 32: Standing seam metal roofing at the two-story portion of the house

Figure 33: Juncture between the two-story portion and the one-story wing of the house. The standing seam metal roof is deformed and rusted, and the rafters show signs of end rot at the eaves.




Figure 34: East elevation showing rusted sheet metal roofing (corrugated metal to the left and standing seam metal to the right) at the one-story wing

Chimneys

Both chimneys look to be in-tact, but show signs of limited mortar deterioration and isolated areas of displaced and/or cracked brick. Chimney flashing is in poor condition, and mastic patching has been used at the base of the chimney (where the chimney meets the roof) at the one-story portion of the house.

Figure 35: One brick chimney at the juncture between the two earlier one-story portions of the house (left) and one at the later two-story portion of the house (right)




George E. Rice House: Interior

Flooring

The original finish floor is wood and is in overall good to fair condition. Later floor finishes, including linoleum in the kitchen and dining room, are badly deteriorated to such an extent that they’re exposing large areas of the original wood floor beneath. Although covered in debris, the wood floor boards in the front room (and those exposed beneath linoleum in the kitchen and dining room) appear to be in salvageable condition.




Figure 36: Wood floor boards in the front room (Room 2) have varied widths and appear to be in good to fair condition.

Figure 37: 6” wood planks covered in deteriorated linoleum and debris in the dining room (Room 3)

Millwork

Millwork throughout the house – base boards, built-in cabinetry, and interior window and door trim – shows signs of deterioration due water infiltration. The base boards along the interior walls are in good to fair condition, but exhibit peeling paint throughout. Base boards at locations along the perimeter walls of the building show signs of water damage, likely from their proximity to openings in the building envelope, such as those created by deteriorated windows. Interior window and door trim appears have also been affected by moisture infiltration, and rot, peeling paint, and warping are prevalent in these areas.




Figure 38: Wood baseboard with peeling paint can be found in the front room (room 2), the dining room (Room 3), and the kitchen (Room 4)

Figure 39: Peeling paint at built-in cabinetry and a warped fold-out wooden shelf in the kitchen (Room 4)

Figure 40: Rotted Interior trim at a window in the kitchen (Room 4) due to excessive water infiltration.




Finishes

Throughout the house, wall and ceiling finishes are in poor condition. Painted plywood on the walls and ceilings at the ground floor shows signs of deteriorated painted coatings, and water infiltration and staining is evident at areas around exterior windows and doors. Wall paper is peeling and missing in large areas at the dining room. At the second floor, pieces of plaster board and wall paper are missing, exposing the diagonal wood sheathing below. Bead board on the walls in the bedrooms appears to be stained and damaged in areas.

Figure 41: Painted plywood ceilings can be found in the front room (Room 2), dining room (Room 3), and kitchen Room 4)

Figure 42: Painted plywood walls can be found in the dining room (Room 3), and kitchen (Room 4)




Figure 43: Wallpaper over plywood can be found in the front room (Room 2)

Figure 44: Plaster board and wallpaper at Bedroom A (Room 7) at the second floor

Figure 45: Painted bead board (to the left) and plaster board (straight ahead) at Bedroom B (Room 8) at the second floor




Figure 46: Close-up of painted bead board in Bedroom B (Room 8)

Doors and Windows The exterior wood doors are in overall fair condition. The doors are all operable, with limited rotted wood but extensive paint deterioration. All doors are missing locks, latch sets and door knobs. The only remaining hardware is the door hinges.

Figure 47: Wood door at the original one-story wing (left) and wood door at current main entrance at the two-story portion of the house (right)

The interior wood doors vary in terms of their condition. Some are in overall fair condition, with missing hardware and deteriorated finishes; others are in poor condition and are inoperable, with signs of rot, loss of material, and in some cases, missing whole panels.




Figure 48: A door with missing panels at Bedroom A (Room 7) on the second floor of the house.

Figure 49: Door between the front room (Room 2) and dining room (Room 3) with missing hardware.

The wood windows are in overall very poor condition, and throughout the house have broken and/or missing glass, rotted and/or missing mullions and sash, and deteriorated frames. This creates openings that allow for moisture infiltration into the house, which accelerates the deterioration of interior elements.




Figure 50: Wood window at the original one-story wing (left) and wood window at the two-story portion of the house (right) Outbuildings and Ancillary Structures In addition to the George E. Rice House, three outbuildings were also surveyed by SHCA: the Meat House, Cow Barn, and Corn Crib. The Water Well was not surveyed or evaluated in-depth, and so it has been excluded from this portion of the report. For overall images of each elevation of the following outbuildings, please refer to Section B: Physical Description. Meat House Overall, the Meat House is structurally unsound and in poor condition. The entire structure appears to be leaning towards the northeast. Wood sheathing is missing on approximately 30% of the building, leaving the interior open to the elements. Pieces of wood sheathing and framing are rotted, loose, and/or completely detached, and the hardware on the west door is rusted.




Figure 51: Interior of Meat House, showing concrete slab on grade

Figure 52: Interior of Meat House, showing wood frame construction and deteriorated and/or missing wood sheathing

Figure 53: Close-up of rusted door hardware at west elevation of Meat House




Cow Barn Overall, the Cow Barn is in poor condition. Similar to the condition at the Meat House, wood sheathing is missing from parts of the structure, and is rotted along the entire perimeter near the foundation due to direct contact with moisture from the ground. Interior wood structural elements also display signs of rot and deterioration. The standing seam metal roof is rusted and deformed in areas, and the metal hardware is deteriorated.

Figure 54: South elevation of Cow Barn, showing extensive rotting near the foundation

Figure 55: Interior of Cow Barn, showing extensive rotting near the foundation




Figure 56: Interior of the chicken coop on the north side of the structure, showing roosting poles for the chickens at night.

Figure 57: Interior of the chicken coop on the north side of the structure, showing the nesting box for the chickens to lay eggs.

Figure 58: Detached piece of wood with rusted hardware found on the ground




Figure 59: Close-up of rusted strap hinge at east elevation of Cow Barn

Corn Crib Overall, the Corn Crib is also in poor condition. While very few pieces of sheathing and slatted wood appear to be completely missing, the wood itself is severely rotted at the perimeter of the foundation. The standing seam metal roof is rusted, and there is an inappropriate patch at the ridge to the north. All metal hardware is deteriorated. In certain areas, the concrete piers at the foundation have displaced and settled vertically.

Figure 60: West elevation of the Corn Crib, showing the standing seam metal roofing, An inappropriate patch is visible at the north end of the ridge.




Figure 61: Poured concrete piers at the Corn Crib’s foundation

Figure 62: Close-up of rusted strap hinge at Corn Crib at the juncture between the wood sheathing and slatted wood.

Structural Assessment



3 Structural Assessment A Physical Description

George E. Rice House Serving as the primary structure on the property, the George E. Rice House is a multi-story, wood timber framed residence that was constructed in phases (see Chapter 2, Architectural Assessment for an explanation of the different phases of construction). The one-story portion of the house consists largely of two rooms with nearly identical dimensions. Roof rafters and attic joists are both approximately 2x6s and are spaced at 24” on center in the east-west direction. The rafters are pitched at approximately a one-to-one slope and are covered by 1” thick wood battens with a metal roof on top.




Figure 63: Foundation and first floor framing plan.

Typical wall construction is 2x4 wood studs at 16” on center with 1” exterior diagonal sheathing boards. Diagonal sheathing boards were only seen beneath the wood siding on the two-story portion of the structure. Because of similar framing methods oberved between the one and two-story portion of the home, it was assumed the diagonal sheathing was consistent as well. The diagonal sheathing boards are covered by horizontal wood siding boards. The first floor is framed with 2x6 joists at 24” on center spanning east-west between 6x6 timber beams that frame the perimeter of the one-story portion of the structure.

Figure 64: Typical floor framing of the elevated first floor of the one-story portion of the house. The perimeter beams rest upon a series of stacked stone piers and foundations that effectively elevate the entire structure off of the ground between 12” and 16”.




Figure 65: Stacked stone pier and foundation supporting first floor framing of the one-story portion of the house.

Figure 66:Typical roof/attic framing of the one-story portion of the house.

Figure 67: Second floor and roof framing (over one-story portion of the building) plan.




The two-story portion of the building is nearly square in plan and features a wood-framed porch at the east side. Roof rafters measure roughly 1¾” x 5” and are spaced at 24” on center. A metal roof similar to that at the one-story portion of the house is supported by the rafters with 1” wood battens. Attic and second floor joists span north-south and are 4x6 wood timbers spaced at 24” on center. Wall construction in the two-story portion of the home is identical to the one-story portion; 2x4 studs at 16” on center with 1” exterior diagonal sheathing boards covered by horizontal wood siding boards. The first floor framing of the two-story portion of the home consists of wood timber logs measuring approximately 7” in diameter. The tops of the logs have been sawn flat to allow the attachment of the floor boards above. Based on the visual examination of the bark, it appears the logs are of a birch wood species. The logs span north-south between 6x6 wood perimeter beams. These edge beams are supported on poured concrete piers, approximately 11”x12” in plan, which rest atop stacked stone foundations, elevating the structure above ground level.

Figure 68: Elevated first floor framing of the two-story portion of the house. Note the log joists, the perimeter beam, and the poured concrete pier.




Figure 69: Attic and roof framing plan over second floor. As previously mentioned, the two-story portion of the home features a porch on the east face of the structure. It appears that the porch was constructed separately from the rest of the house based on its attachment to the rest of the structure. Porch rafters measure approximately 1¾” x 5” and are supported by wood box beams around its perimeter. The porch edge beams are supported by three 5x5 wood posts, which bear on the porch floor beams below. Porch floor framing consists of a series of intermediate wood beams spanning north-south between larger wood beams, spanning east-west, that rest atop poured concrete piers on stacked stone foundations.




Meat House

Figure 70: Meat House framing plan

Figure 71: View of the Meat House looking southeast.

The Meat House is a small wood-framed structure located just east of the main house. A metal sloping roof sits atop the 1” roof battens supported by 2x4 roof rafters spaced at 24” on center. Wood posts, 4”x4” or 6”x4” in size, are placed at the structure’s corners and at the approximate centerlines of the north, south, and west walls of the structure. A 2x4 stud wall frames out the east wall of the structure. The building is clad in a combination of vertical and horizontal siding boards. The entire structure sits on a perimeter wood sill placed directly on the ground below. At its center is a poured concrete pad measuring approximately 5’-10” by 6’-0” with a roughly square void in the center, presumably used as a fire pit.




Cow Barn The Cow Barn consists of a large open port to the south for animal housing or vehicle storage, and two smaller rooms to the north, one being a chicken coop. Construction of the shed is similar to that of the other outbuildings on the property. It too is covered with a metal roof on 1” thick roof battens supported by 2”x5” roof rafters, and the entire building is sheathed with 1” thick vertical boards.

Figure 72: Cow Barn first floor framing plan.




Figure 73: Cow Barn attic framing plan.

Figure 74: View of the Cow Barn looking west.

Wood posts support the roof structure and rest on 6x6 wood edge beams. These edge beams rest upon stacked stone foundations. The two rooms to the north of the structure have wood framed floors with floor joists spanning north-south between the 6x6 wood beams.




Corn Crib

Figure 75: Corn Crib first floor framing plan.

Figure 76: Corn Crib attic framing plan. The Corn Crib is located on the southeast corner of the Rice House complex, just south of the Meat House. Like the other buildings on the property, it too has a metal roof supported by 1” thick roof battens on 3”x4” roof rafters. The building has an elevated wood floor framed with 4x6 wood beams spaced at roughly 24” on center. These beams span in the east-west direction between two 4x6 wood edge beams. The edge beams are, in turn, supported by poured concrete footings located at the building’s corners and at the beams’ mid span.




Figure 77: View of the Corn Crib looking northwest.

Approximately 6’-4” above the main floor exists a loft space framed by 3”x5”wood beams at roughly 24”-30” on center. 4x5 wood posts support the roof and loft floor and bear on the wood edge beams below. The structure is clad with vertical wood sheathing boards; the south half of the structure features 1x3 skip sheathing whereas the north half is covered with 1x6 boards abutting one another.

Figure 78: Interior view of the Corn Crib showing the two types of sheathing boards – skip sheathing (right) and abutted sheathing boards (left).




B Condition Assessment

George E. Rice House: Exterior

On the exterior, the metal roof that covers the structure appears to be largely in good condition showing little to no signs of deterioration, damage, or vegetation growth. Although a close up observation was not possible due to access limitations, the two chimneys that penetrate the roof line appeared to exhibit little to no masonry or mortar deterioration.

The horizontal wood siding that covers the exterior of the house is heavily weathered and warped due to its lack of protection and its exposure to the elements. Many of the siding boards are beginning to pry away because of this warping effect. Local regions of siding are missing, leaving the underlying sheathing boards unprotected and vulnerable to deterioration.

Figure 79: Deteriorated siding/trim on the house exposing the diagonal sheathing boards beneath.

The majority of the windows in the house have multiple broken panes. These openings create an access point allowing the unimpeded passage of moisture and debris into the structure which can lead to the damage and deterioration of interior structural and non-structural elements.

At the east face of the two story portion of the building is a wood framed porch that exhibits a significant amount of deterioration and loss of structural framing members. Only about half of the porch framing and floor boards remain intact, yet this portion of the porch is not suitable for occupancy due to continuous member deterioration and lack of structural stability.




Figure 80: East porch showing loss of roof support and deteriorated flooring.

Figure 81: East porch showing deteriorated floor boards and loss of structural framing.

Although this deterioration is most likely attributed to multiple factors, the issue appears to stem mainly from member section loss due to deterioration from the presence of moisture. In addition to the porch floor framing, the porch roof has shown a significant amount of movement and rotation away from the house. This movement is related to the settlement of the supports along the east edge of the porch due to inadequate bearing conditions and member section loss due to rot.




Figure 82: East porch roof displaying rotation and separation from the house.

George E. Rice House: Interior In general, the structural framing members including the attic rafters and joists, floor joists, stud framed walls, and wood timber logs and beams showed little to no signs of deterioration, distress, or damage. Though no samples were taken to confirm the species of wood used for construction, the limited presence of knots and the low slope to grain ratios suggested that the in-situ members are of a high wood grade. Debris, including broken glass, building material, and plant deposits, covered the majority of the floor area in most rooms of the house.

Water staining, signifying the presence of moisture, was noted on the ceiling of the second floor in the region of the chimney. Water presence observed in this area is likely the result of inadequate or deteriorated flashing where the brick masonry chimney penetrates the roof. Water staining was also noted at the interior wall face surrounding the window openings. This is due in large part to the fact that several windows have broken panes, allowing the passage of moisture. In general, debris, including broken glass, building material, and plant deposits, covered the majority of the floor area in most rooms of the house




Figure 83: Second floor bedroom showing debris on the floor.

Floor boards generally appeared to be in good condition with a few boards showing minor signs of damage throughout the home. Interior wall sheathing, likely composed of a gypsum-based product, was heavily damaged as evidenced by the large holes punched into the wall cavities throughout the house.

Figure 84: Second floor bedroom showing holes in interior sheathing into wall cavity.




Meat House Upon first observation of the Meat House, it was apparent that the whole structure was exhibiting a lean in the northeast direction.

Figure 85: Interior view of Meat House showing northeast lean of structure. Note the charring of the framing members.

While the majority of the vertical siding boards remain in place, about half of the horizontal siding members are missing. The wood siding that is remaining is heavily deteriorated, showing signs of rot and weathering due to exposure to the elements and moisture infiltration. The wood sill plate around the perimeter of the structure has almost completely rotted away in most locations. This is due to the fact that the sill plate is in direct contact with the moist ground. Since the sill plate has lost nearly its entire cross section, the wood posts and stud wall are left to bear directly on the ground. Because of this, the base of the posts and stud wall exhibit signs of rot and deterioration. In addition to rot, traces of termite damage were noted on most of the wood members of the structure.




Figure 86: Deteriorated/rotted wood sill plate and post/stud bearings in the Meat House.

Cow Barn Looking at the east elevation of the Cow Barn, it is evident that the south wall of the structure has settled vertically. The settlement is visible by the change in roof slope between the north and south portions of the building, and the lack of levelness of the top of the shed opening.

Figure 87: View of Cow Barn looking west.

Upon further observation it was discovered that the stacked stone foundation at the southwest corner of the building has rotated and displaced in the southwest direction. A settlement of this nature could be caused by a lateral load applied to the structure, or a localized bearing overstress of the soils below due to gravity loads from the structure above.




Figure 88: View of rotated/displaced stacked stone foundation at the southwest corner of the Cow Barn.

This has caused the wood edge beams and subsequently the whole south wall of the structure to displace in this same direction and settle vertically. In addition, the eastern half of the south edge beam, which rests directly upon the ground, has rotted and deteriorated causing further settlement of the south wall of the structure. This vertical displacement of the south wall has led to an increase in stress in the other members of the structure.

Figure 89: Deteriorated/rotted sill plate at the southeast corner of the structure.

Overall, the structural framing members appear to be in fair condition with some members exhibiting localized regions of damage and deterioration.




Figure 90: Upper wood framing member along south wall of Cow Barn showing signs of deterioration, rot, and section loss.

The southernmost edge beam has displayed a significant amount of rot and section loss due to its direct contact with the moist ground. A number of timber post bases have also rotted, once again due their contact with the moist ground. The vertical sheathing that wraps the entire structure is mostly in place with a few missing boards; however, the sheathing shows heavy deterioration and section loss due to moisture exposure near their bases.

At the underside of the roof, several locations of water infiltration and member deterioration were noted. These locations mostly corresponded with the edge of the metal roof above, yet some moisture infiltration was seen towards the center of the structure. While the moisture presence at the edge of the roof can likely be attributed to inadequate flashing, the moisture presence towards the interior of the structure could be related to damage of the metal roof above.




Figure 91: View of roof battens and metal roof above in the Cow Barn (in the enclosed chicken coop) showing signs of water infiltration and member deterioration.

Corn Crib Over the period of its vacancy, a group of trees has grown in close proximity to the west entrance of the structure. Although they pose no immediate hazard or concern, the trees do impede access to the structure. One tree in particular has grown such that it comes in contact with the metal roof of the Corn Crib. Some minor roof damage was noted in this area. The vertical siding boards of the structure are almost entirely in place; however, many of the boards that are in close contact with the ground are exhibiting signs of rot and deterioration near their bases due to moisture infiltration. In general, the wood structural framing of the building appears to be in relatively good condition. Some members display localized regions of surface rot; however, the extent of the rot only seems to penetrate approximately ½” below the surface. From the exterior, it was noted that the structure appeared to exhibit some vertical settlement at its northeast corner. Upon examination of the poured concrete footings, it was discovered that the footing at the northeast corner has rotated in the north direction and settled vertically.




Figure 92: Northeast poured concrete foundation of the Corn Crib showing rotation and settlement.

This settlement is likely caused by a lateral load applied to the structure or perhaps a localized soil bearing overstress due to gravity loads from the structure above. This settlement directly correlates to the global movement observed in the structure. In addition, it was noted that the concrete foundation at mid span of the east wall had also settled, rotating towards the west. The settlement and rotation of this foundation appears to stem from a similar cause as mentioned previously.

C Structural Analysis

The building structural components were analyzed to determine their live load capacities and to evaluate potential future uses for the spaces. The sizes of the framing analyzed are based on the measurements taken on site. The structural materials of the building were not tested at this time; therefore, material properties were based on the assumption of Birch #1 due to the observation of birch bark at the first floor log joists. Live load capacities were determined for typical joists based on both strength (shear and bending moment capacities) and deflections. While the strength of a member determines its ability to carry a load, its stiffness, or resistance to deflection, affects its performance. Architectural finishes can crack or shift when the underlying structure moves and excessive deflections can also affect the physical comfort of the occupants of the space. Therefore, while relatively large deflections may not represent a safety concern, they may be considered unacceptable for reasons of serviceability. No perimeter beams or headers were checked as part of this analysis and may further limit the live load capacities. Note that all framing analysis is based on the assumption of sound material. If unsound materials are uncovered when further structural




members are exposed, repairs will be required to achieve the load capacities noted. The observed structural conditions are noted above. The calculated live load capacities were then compared to the code-required live load capacities based on the potential future uses of the building to determine their adequacy. The International Residential Code (IRC) and International Building Code (IBC), 2009 Editions, provide these live loading requirements: Table 1: IRC/IBC required live load capacities

Use Live Load Capacity required

Uninhabitable Attics w/o Storage

10 psf

Uninhabitable Attics w/ Storage 20 psf

Inhabitable Attics & Sleeping Rooms

30 psf

Residential: All Other Rooms and Stairs

40 psf

House Museum (1) 50 psf

Light Storage 125 psf

Snow / Roof 20 psf min.

(1) While the IBC does not provide recommendations on design live

loads for historic house museums, the 50psf value noted above is based on the assumption that a 200 lb individual taking up an area of 2’x2’ would be the worst case loading from the standpoint of visitor comfort.

Based on these preliminary assumptions, the first floor joists of the original building were found to have a 24 psf live load capacity for strength and 17 psf live load capacity for deflection provided they are in good condition. These capacities are below required values for any of the uses listed above. The attic joists of the one-story portion of the building




were found to have a 21 psf live load capacity for strength and 15 psf live load capacity for deflection provided they are in good condition. These capacities are sufficient for an uninhabitable attic without storage. For the two-story portion, the first floor log joists were found to have a 47 psf live load capacity for strength and 26 psf live load capacity for deflection provided they are in good condition. The second floor and attic joists were found to have a 26 psf live load capacity for strength and 10 psf live load capacity for deflection. The second floor framing does not meet requirements for any uses listed above; however, the attic framing capacities are sufficient for an uninhabitable attic without storage.

Treatment and Work Recommendations

HISTORIC STRUCTURES REPORT AND PRESERVATION PLAN: GEORGE E. RICE HOUSE AND OUTBUILDINGS FINAL REPORT, APRIL 1, 2013 FDSJOPPJ[FPDSJ[


4 Treatment and Work Recommendations

A Work Recommendations Although a large portion of structural components of the George E. Rice House are in fair condition, there are several areas of deterioration within the house and surrounding outbuildings that represent a life safety hazard to the occupants, visitors, and the buildings themselves. That being said, there is a definite need for localized stabilization, strengthening, weather protection and repairs to the various structures located on the property. Due to the significance of the structures, repair and strengthening schemes will have little interference with the historic fabric of each building. Listed below are the areas where deteriorated structural members need to be repaired, strengthened, or stabilized.

George E. Rice House

Immediate Stabilization Recommendations

The existing east porch is heavily deteriorated, has exhibited movement, and is not safe for occupancy. Its current state is a life safety concern. We recommend that the existing porch structure be dismantled, catalogued and stored inside the house for future reconstruction.

We recommend that the rusting sheet metal roofs be treated so as to prevent accelerated deterioration. First the roofs should be coated with a primer that contains at least 80% zinc. Zinc is an excellent rust preventive. This will necessitate a thorough cleaning of the roof to remove all dirt and rust that may have set in. This cleaning can be accomplished by use a hand wire brush, disc grinder or sandblaster, which ever best suits the condition, to get rid of the rust. Then wash the roof thoroughly with a detergent and water, followed by a thorough rinsing of the roof and allowing it to dry completely. Finally paint the sheet metal with an elastomeric coating as per manufacturer’s recommendations.

Install flashing at the two chimneys to prevent further water infiltration into the building interior and roof structure from these locations.

Temporarily patch deteriorated or missing exterior siding and trim with exterior grade plywood or clapboards to prevent exposure of the sheathing boards beneath. During replacement of deteriorated siding




boards, underlying sheathing boards should be observed for rot and deterioration. If rot or deterioration is present, diagonal sheathing should be replaced locally with the minimum length of replacement board spanning three stud bays.

Cover all windows with plywood covers to mitigate the infiltration of excessive water and wind into the building.

Remove all debris within the structure (first floor, second floor, and attic) to prevent pedestrian tripping hazards.

Treat all exposed wood framing of the Rice House with wood preservative to increase the life of the structural members.

Rehabilitation Options for Future Phases

Based on the live load capacities of the existing structural framing members and live load capacities listed within the code, reinforcement of structural members will most likely be required in order for the main house to function as a house museum.

Due to the significant amount of deterioration exhibited by the structural framing members of both the floor and the roof overhang, RSA recommends that the entire porch structure be reconstructed to match the original construction. Sound materials salvaged from the porch deconstruction can be reused provided that the element is not deteriorated, does not exhibit any section loss, and is treated on all sides with a wood preservative. The newly framed porch shall be constructed of a rot/deterioration resistant material or shall be treated with a wood perseverative. Existing porch foundations may be used for the new construction.

Meat House


In its current state, the Meat House is not safe for occupancy and is a life safety concern. Due to the significant lean of the structure, RSA recommends the construction of a temporary structure designed to stabilize the building and prevent further lateral movement or settlement.

Areas of deteriorated or missing siding and trim should be replaced to match existing in kind. This will protect the interior members of the structure and prevent further deterioration due to moisture.

Treat all exposed wood framing with a wood preservative to prolong the life of the structural members.





Once stabilized, the structure shall be set plumb and existing deteriorated structural members (posts, rafters, studs, and sill plates) shall be replaced to match existing in kind. Replacement members shall be of a rot/deterioration resistant material or shall be treated with a preservative. Due to the high level of deterioration observed in select members, RSA recommends replacement over repair of the deteriorated members.

Cow Barn


To prevent further displacement and settlement of the southern half of the structure, RSA recommends constructing a temporary stabilization structure to be put in place along the south wall of the large open port.

The integrity of the roof shall be further investigated to determine the source of water intrusion into the structure and roofing /flashing repairs shall be made as needed. Roofing repairs are anticipated.

Existing deteriorated or missing siding shall be replaced to match existing in kind such as to prevent the deteriorated of interior members of the structure due to the infiltration of moisture.


Once stabilized, the southern wall shall be temporarily shored such that the deteriorated southern sill plate can be removed and replaced to match the existing in kind. Due to the extent of deterioration and location of the member, RSA recommends a replacement over repair of the member.

While the south wall is shored, the failed/missing stacked stone footings along the south wall shall be reset to plumb and the correct elevation. RSA will determine the suitability of the existing footings and if necessary design a new footing to carry the loads imparted by the structure. The soils beneath the existing footings shall be compacted to provide an adequate bearing area for the footings above.

Members exhibiting localized areas of rot and deterioration can be strengthened by adding a sistered member.

All exposed wood framing members shall be treated with a wood preservative to prolong the life of the structural members.




Corn Crib


All exposed wood framing members shall be treated with a wood preservative to prolong the life of the structural members.

Localized shoring will be put in place in the regions near the northeast and middle-east concrete footings to support and stabilize the structure and to arrest any further displacement or settlement of the building.


The northeast and middle-east concrete footings should be reset to correct the northeasterly lean and vertical settlement of the structure. The building shall be temporarily and locally jacked off the footings in the locations of the failed foundations. Soil beneath the two foundations shall be excavated and compacted to provide suitable bearing for the footing. RSA will determine whether the existing footing size is suitable for the loads induced by the structure, and if necessary propose a new footing design. Once the footings have been reset to plumb and proper elevation, the structure can be returned to rest atop.

Existing deteriorated or missing siding shall be replaced to match existing in kind preventing the deterioration of interior members of the structure due to the infiltration of moisture.

Supplemental Information



5 Supplemental Information

A Measured Architectural Drawings

For measured architectural and structural drawings of the George E. Rice House and Outbuildings, see the following pages.

B Bibliography

Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm Master Plan Standards and Guidelines for Architectural and Historical Investigations in Maryland 2012 Annual Report of the Maryland Historical Trust Preservation Brief 43: The Preparation and Use of Historic Structure Reports Historic Structure Reports & Preservation Plans: A Preparation Guide

historic structures report and ... - calvert county, md

Documents