Stabilizing The Kentlands Firehouse Could Cost $191,000

It may be part of a cluster of Gaithersburg landmarks, but the Kentlands Firehouse is proving to be a drag on the city's wallet.

The Mayor and Council will hear a presentation this evening about what it will take to "stabilize" the six-decade-old structure before issuing a request for proposals to renovate.

The Council in June asked staff to prepare a report examining what would be involved in stopping the deterioration.

The answer: a lot.

Several of the 30 windows show deterioration, the four garage doors need to be replaced, plumbing and electrical systems have to be replaced and the collapsing roof of an addition to the main building needs to be fixed.

There are also major stormwater drainage issues that need to be resolved as well.

All told, city staff estimates the stabilization costs would total more than $191,000 (including a $20,000 contingency allowance).

The Historic District Commission is considering whether or not to designate the site as historic. Such a designation could add significant costs to renovating and restoring the firehouse.

The two-and-a-half story masonry structure was built around 1950 by Otis Beall Kent to store his collection of antique fire engines. Along with the Kentlands Mansion and Arts Barn, the firehouse was deeded to the City by the Great Seneca Development Corp.

The structure is uninhabitable, and has been used recently by the Arts Barn to build and store theatre sets.