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Design Review Board endorses concept to relocate small historic rectory to Bethesda property, asks for more study
Summary
Developers presented an early concept to move a small historic rectory from the 19 Washington/Adelphi site to the Bethesda parcel; the board and staff expressed strong conceptual support for relocation to preserve the building but noted substantial zoning, accessibility and site‑plan constraints that must be resolved.
At a conceptual review on July 30, the Design Review Board welcomed a proposal to relocate a small historic rectory/parish house from the 19 Washington/Adelphi site to a Bethesda property across the street as a way to preserve the structure and open a pocket for new development.
Mike Ingersoll of the LA Group and architect Matt Herff presented sketches showing how the rectory could be lifted and moved and re‑set on a foundation at the new site; the proponents said the owner would cover relocation costs and gift the building to the church for adaptive reuse. Board members and staff said early outreach with planning and preservation stakeholders was appropriate and emphasized zoning constraints (setback, frontage requirements) and access needs, including how stairs and entrances would align with the new sidewalk.
Several board members — and the Universal Preservation Hall director who spoke from the audience — praised the idea as a way to ‘save’ the rectory and keep important views open to Universal Preservation Hall. The board provided positive conceptual feedback but requested technical studies on structural feasibility, accessibility and precise siting before the proponents prepare formal applications for planning and design review.
