The
Stone Mansion (the original Ruscombe Mansion ca. 1863) will be restored
for use as offices, pending a successful zoning change. The building
has been nominated for the Baltimore City Landmarks List, andis eligible
for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.These designations
will ensure Ruscombe's perpetual existence.Rehab should begin in the Spring of 2006, with completion within a year. Exterior work will include stone pointing, roof repair, window and door restoration, replacement shutters, and painting. Inside, the remnants from the school use will be removed, and original moldings, hardwood floors, historic trim and hardware will be restored. New HVAC will be added, as well as modern data and electrical wiring. The basement and attic may be upgraded, in conjunction with the primary 1st and 2nd floors. The original floor plan will be maintained. In the yard, plans include tree pruning, removal of "weed trees" particularly near Springarden Drive, fence repair, replacement or selective removal, garden and lawn improvement. The carriage house willbe rehabbed and rented too, with 17 on site parking places provided basically on top of the existing blacktop area. New landscaping will be added to screen the parking here as needed. Some public use of the building and grounds has been discussed. It has always been our plan to make the Stone Mansion the centerpiece of the community, rather than and inaccessible property located in the center of the community. Details will follow further discussions with the Woodlands and CCA boards.
Marty Azola, Azola & Associates, Inc.
January 2006
Stone Mansion Updates
April
2007
May
2007
April 27, 2007
Dear Neighbors - I have been remiss in the frequency of
updates, so here goes the latest.................
We settled in February, after over 2 years of work (as you well know).
Plans are reasonably complete for the restoration, and our carpenters
are in and out on a frequent basis doing structural repair, window repair
and other basic building repair work. If you haven't noticed, check out
the dormer windows our Charles Widdon made.
That said, we will be in full construction swing by 7/1/07, with completion
before 12/31/07. We must wait for the announcement of State Historic
Tax Credits on 7/1/07 before starting the heavy work. It probably would
be
a good idea to meet face to face to review our plans and milestones,
to be sure there are no conflicts with the neighborhood. Our working
hours are planned for 7:00 am thru 5 pm, Mondays thru Fridays, with occasional
work
on Saturdays. None Sundays.
We have decided to move our own offices (azolainc.com) into the building
so that we can be on-site to handle the inevitable issues that arise
on these projects. We have enough interest now to fill the building.
Prospective tenants include and accountant, insurance company, environmental
engineering company, us, and overflow from "the other Ruscombe".
We are proceeding with the local small café concept at this time
too.
We have several hearings of interest regarding our application for listing
on the national register of Historic Places. On May 8th CHAP will hold
a hearing, and May 22nd, the Governor's Consulting Committee will make
the final decision. CHAP continues to consider the building for the Baltimore City
Landmarks List.
We will be getting the grass cut and keeping the place in decent repair
thru the construction process. We received a complaint about a dead tree
thru the grass cutter, but it wasn't clear. Please advise if you can.
We will be thinning out "weed trees" and deadwooding the keepers
soon. We are waiting for the final survey to confirm the fence location
(not sure
whose property its on. The future repair/replacement issue needs to be addressed.
Buried oil tanks will be removed this summer.
Accent and security site lighting will be designed, and we will need
to be sure it is not an annoyance to the neighbors.
Bradford Bank is the leading contender for financing.
Some sort of dedication - kickoff - groundbreaking event should be arranged.
Thoughts? You have all been so supportive, as has Ms. Rawlings-Blake.
Open to suggestions.
We're out of thoughts at this point and will welcome your input or comments.
Sincerely, Marty, Lone, Tony, Mat and Kirsten Azola
Community Update on Stone Mansion
Here are some important points/issues:
1. We need to start now, and will finish by 12/31/07.
2. First tenant will occupy by July 15th.
3. The existing fence meanders on the HOA property and ours. Need to resolve.
4. We will be deadwooding trees and removing junk trees
5. Site work includes removal of oil tanks, grading and paving for parking.
6. Security lighting needs to be reviewed
7. We are now a Landmark – want to explain the benefits to the community
8. Azola & Associates, Inc. (our historic rehab company) will be a tenant in the basement.
Marty Azola