Preservation Resources

WHAT IS HISTORIC PRESERVATION?

As defined by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, this is the act of identifying, protecting, and enhancing buildings, places, and objects of historical and cultural significance. Preservation efforts are always evolving to honor and support the needs of existing residents, while nurturing and protecting the historical elements that make the city so special. In doing so, the community gains a better understanding of its unique character and diverse culture, creating a more livable and proud sense of community. Every historical site has a story to tell.

UNDERSTANDING THE HISTORIC DESIGNATION PROCESS.

Read the City of Rockville’s designation process for historic properties here. Your application will be reviewed by several City bodies, including the Historic District Commission, Planning Commission, and the Mayor and Council. There are many reasons to have a property designated as a historic site!

Safeguarding the heritage of Rockville by preserving districts which reflect its cultural, social, economic, political or architectural history
Stabilizing and improving property values within these districts Fostering civic beauty
Strengthening the local economy
Promoting the use and preservation of historic districts for the education, welfare and pleasure of the residents of Rockville

OWNERS OF HISTORIC PROPERTIES

MAINTENANCE, REPAIRS AND ALTERATIONS

Exterior changes to historic properties require review and approval by the City’s Historic District Commission.
Click here to see the process for obtaining a Certificate of Approval.

TAX CREDITS

If you own a historic property in Rockville, there are resources available for tax credits to offset the cost of repairs. Montgomery County tax credits are administered through the City of Rockville.

ADVOCACY NEWS

Support Peerless Rockville in the City Budget

Take the Budget Survey! Monday, April 8 is the final public hearing for Rockville’s proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget. Please ask the Mayor and Council to fully fund Peerless Rockville’s Community Grant. Comments to eliminate our community grant have us concerned – share what you love about Peerless. You can voice your support for funding Peerless through […]

Farmers Banking and Trust Building Recommended for Local Designation

Frieda’s Cottage: National Historic Landmark

On January 13th, 2021, the Secretary of the Interior designated Frieda’s Cottage as a National Historic Landmark. It is the first Landmark in Rockville! It earned this remarkable national recognition for its association with Dr. Frieda Fromm-Reichmann and her significant contributions to the field of medicine as a psychoanalyst.

The History and Future of Rockville’s Art Deco Bank

After over 90 years of operation as a bank, the Art Deco Bank Building in downtown Rockville is for sale after M&T closed in September. This beautiful historic building is Rockville’s only surviving example of Art Deco architecture and has been a part of the Rockville streetscape for almost a century.In 1900, the Maryland General […]