City's Historic Pump House Honored by Peerless Rockville

[Howard Hartman]

For Immediate Release October 17, 2011

City's Historic Pump House Honored by Peerless Rockville

ROCKVILLE, MD, October 17, 2011- The City of Rockville was recently selected as a winner of a 2011 Peerless Rockville Preservation Award for the renovation of the historic Pump House at Croydon Park, 401 South Horners Lane. The awards committee unanimously recognized the project team for its outstanding achievement in renovating the building into a valued community asset.

"We are honored to receive this award from Peerless Rockville," said Betsy Thompson, superintendent of recreation and project manager. "Restoring the Pump House for the benefit of Rockville citizens to use for classes, meetings and community gatherings is something we are very proud of."

The award will be presented on Wednesday, Oct. 26, at 7:30 p.m. at the Pump House.

The 1897 Pump House is a significant historical landmark in Rockville as it was once known as the "Rockville Electric Lights and Water Works." The building and park were the centerpiece of the City's first public water system and supplier of electricity for street lights and private homes.

The historic Pump House received a full interior and partial exterior renovation during 2010. Renovation of the building, while keeping the historic features, included re-pointing of the brick walls, updated landscaping, restoration of the cupola, moving the electrical units from the front of the building and installing new energy-efficient exterior doors and windows, which were restored to their original height and openings and fitting the existing masonry openings. Installation of new lighting, upgraded insulation throughout the building, ceiling fans, upgraded power and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act provide for easy access in an environmentally friendly building.

The project team included City of Rockville staff, architects and designers, and community members from East Rockville.

Peerless Rockville presents awards to community groups for programs, preservation work and quality design and construction that contribute to the city's architectural, cultural and environmental heritage.