APPENDIX 1 Mr. JAMES T. CLARK, NATIONAL CAPITAL PLANNING COMMISSION, Clerk, Comittee on the District of Columbia, DEAR MR. CLARK: In accordance with Mr. Garber's request, there are transmitted herewith the following materials relating to the committee's consideration of H.R. 11792, a bill to require the Board of Commissioners of the District of Columbia use certain property for public market purposes, which was the subject of a hearing before Subcommittee No. 4 on February 8: (1) Letter of January 17, 1966, from the Chairman of the National Capital Planning Commission to the President of the Board of Commissioners of the District of Columbia containing the recommendations of the Commission relative to the Georgetown Market. (2) Preliminary report dated December 3, 1965, of the Joint Committee on Landmarks of the National Capital Planning Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts on the Old Georgetown Market and Eastern Market buildings. (3) Memorandum of July 29, 1965, relating to the inspection of the Georgetown and Eastern Markets, together with a historic report on the Old Georgetown Market, dated July 9, 1961, prepared by Mrs. Marjorie A. James. (4) Report entitled "Analysis of Economic and Development Factors, Eastern Market, Washington. D.C..," dated December 1965, prepared for the National Capital Planning Commission by Robert Gladstone & Associates, economic consultants. If there is additional information which the committee desires, or if we may be helpful in any other way in connection with this matter, please call on us. Sincerely yours, CHARLES H. CONRAD, Director. JANUARY 17, 1966. Re Georgetown Market. Mr. WALTER N. TOBRINER, President, Board of Commissioners, District of Columbia Government, Washington, D.C. DEAR MR. TOBRINER: As part of the Commission's current study of public markets in the District of Columbia, the Commission has begun an extensive study of the Georgetown Market. The first in the intended series of reports on the Georgetown Market was presented by the Joint Committee on Landmarks to the Commission on December 2, 1965. This report was reviewed by the Commission at the meeting of January 6, 1966, and it was decided to recommend to the Board of Commissioners of the District of Columbia that: 1. The Georgetown Market should be preserved as a landmark. 2. The property should be retained by the District of Columbia pending the development of plans for reuse of the market building compatible with its preservation as a landmark. 3. A study, similar to that recently completed for the Eastern Market, should be made to determine the economic feasibility of reusing the building as a market or for determining the public economic, or other uses to which the building can be put consistent with its preservation as a landmark. A copy of the report of the Commission's District Public Improvements Committee on the Georgetown Market as approved by the Commission is enclosed. Sincerely yours, Mrs. JAMES H. Rowe, Jr., Chairman. NATIONAL CAPITAL PLANNING COMMISSION, GEORGETOWN MARKET REPORT OF THE DISTRICT PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS COMMITTEE, JANUARY 6, 1966 The District Public Improvements Committee has reviewed the report and recommendations of the Joint Committee on Landamrks on the Georgetown Market presented to the Commission on December 2, 1965. The committee supports the position of the Joint Committee on Landmarks that the market should be preserved as a landmark and recommends that the Commission advise the Board of Commissioners of the District of Columbia as follows: 1. The Georgetown Market should be preserved as a landmark, 2. The property should be retained by the District of Columbia pending the development of plans for reuse of the market building compatible with its preservation as a landmark, and 3. A study, similar to that recently completed for the Eastern Market, should be made to determine the economic feasibility of resuing the building as a market or for determining the public economic, or other uses to which the building can be put consist with its preservation as a landmark. PRELIMINARY REPORT OF THE LANDMARK COMMITTEE ON THE OLD GEORGETOWN MARKET AND EASTERN MARKET BUILDINGS A. The Old Georgetown Market building, M Street, at Potomac Street NW. The Old Georgetown Market building was constructed in about 1864 on the site of an earlier market building that dated back to the beginning of the 19th century. It has been frequently asserted that the basement floor of the present building incorporates the structure of that former building within it. In the absence of further tests to determine the age of the stone and brick arches of the ground floor of the building, or of other specific evidence, this theory must remain unproven, but it seems quite possible that this might be the case. If so, it appears that the earlier building was the same size as the present one, and that the grades around the building were not substantially different from what they are at the present time. The building is undistinguished architecturally, and its chief claims for special attention are the historic fact of its being the earliest market site in the city, and the possibility of benefit to the community from its restoration to that original use. Despite some termite damage to the floor construction at the southwestern corner of the basement which would require repair and further support, and some evidence of deterioration at some of the piers and wood trusses of the main hall (difficult to assess without careful inspection up at the point of bear ing), the building was considered to be in generally sound structural condition. capable of being restored to safe public use without unreasonable cost or effort. It should be emphasized, however, that the Landmarks Committee made no investigation of the requirements or costs necessary to comply with District of Columbia health standards for market buildings, nor has the committee rendered any opinion upon the economic feasibility of such restored usage. The committee does believe, however, that the building is still suitable for that purpose, that its use as a market building would be compatible with existing and proposed neighborhood uses, and would exert a beneficial effect upon the restoration and development of the Georgetown waterfront area. B. The Eastern Market Building, Seventh and North Carolina Avenues SE. The Eastern Market was constructed, at least in part, about 1873. The building is not an outstanding example of the functional tradition in industrial or commercial architecture, but is, nevertheless, a representative building of its type and period. The iron trusses are of particular interest and appear to be in good condition. There is some evidence of structural instability in the uneven condition of the floor, something which requires more thorough study to determine its cause. Taken as a whole, nevertheless, the building seems to be in good condition and capable of continued use as a market building without extensive structural alterations or repairs. The committee feels that much can be done to make the Eastern Market Building more lively and attractive, in a manner that will enhance its special character, and increase its value as a community asset. C. General comments This report should not be considered a substitute for the more detailed architectural and engineering studies that should be prepared by competent consultants if these buildings are to continue in, or to be restored to, use as public markets. It should be pointed out that the District of Columbia Western Market Building at 21st and K Streets, NW. is architecturally more worthy of preservation than either of the two preceding buildings, but its location may be less suitable, at the present time, for continued market use. The committee wishes to acknowledge, with thanks, the assistance of Mr. Carl Hansen, professional engineer, who accompanied the members of the committee in their inspection of the buildings, and who rendered his advice on structural matters. FRANCIS D. LETHBRIDGE, Chairman, NICHOLAS SATTERLEE, Market Inspection Subcommittee. NATIONAL CAPITAL PLANNING COMMISSION, Washington, D.C., July 29, 1965. MEMORANDUM To: Mrs. Rowe, Messrs. Dutton, Conrad, Hodges, McIntosh, Connell, Gold, and Shear From: Mary R. Small. Subject: Inspection of markets-Georgetown, Wednesday, July 28, 2 p.m. Eastern, Tuesday, August 3, 10:30 a.m. GEORGETOWN MARKET The Landmarks Inspection Committee of the Joint Committee on Landmarks, composed of Don Lethbridge, Walter Peter, and Nick Satterlee, inspected the Georgetown Market on Wednesday afternoon, July 28. At the suggestion of Walter Peter and Don Lethbridge, Carl C. Hansen, structural engineer, joined the inspection team. Inspection of the ground floor, which is being used for the storage of automobile parts, indicates that although the original flooring is uneven, worn, cracked, patched, etc., it is carrying at present a considerable load throughout the front half of the building. A new surface (one which would meet the standards of an appropriate new use) over the original floor may be all that is needed. The basement is clean and very interesting structurally. The heavy stone walls of the foundation appear to be of the same rough stone as the walls of the canal adjacent to the market building. A stone wall with brick arches runs the length of the building along the center line and this is crossed at regular intervals by similar stone walls with brick arches. There appears to be termite damage in some places as well as rot. The floor joists are shored up at several places along the outside walls. The report of the inspection team will deal with the structural condition at length, therefore, I will not attempt to impart any further information on that score (for the simple reason that this is as much as I was able to understand of all that I observed). Further inspections and study will be required in order to verify the assumption-set forth in the attached report-that the basement is part of the original market built in 1802, although there is structural evidence to support the theory that the basement is older than the upper floor-built in 1865. Possibly the basement foundation was built during the time that the canal was being built. EASTERN MARKET The inspection of Eastern Market has been rescheduled for Tuesday, August 3. 10:30 a.m.. because the inspection of the Georgetown Market took longer than expected. REPORT ON THE OLD GEORGETOWN MARKET (Prepared for the National Capital Planning Commission under provisions of a contract to survey 18th and early 19th century buildings on the Georgetown waterfront to M Street by Marjorie A. James) THE OLD GEORGETOWN MARKET The markethouse at the foot of Potomac Street, at 3276 M Street, is the oldest markethouse in the District of Columbia. A brick, two-story building, with one story below street level, its construction was authorized by the legislature of Maryland in 1796. The front section was added in about 1830, the market ordinances referring in January 1831, to "the new addition." The original market, which appears on B. H. Latrobe's map of this section in 1802, was open in 1802 although the claims were not yet settled. In a meeting of the Georgetown Corp., John Mason presiding, in September 1802 the market space was defined as 76'8'' Fall Street (now M) 366′ on Cedar Alley, 78'8'' on Cherry Street. Mason referred both to the markethouse and the markethouse space. Subsequent market regulations made it clear that vegetable and butcher stalls were between the arches of the market, and that wagons or stands occupied the space around the markethouse and on Falls (M) Street until 8 or 9 in the morning. The markethouse is owned by the District of Columbia. It occupies 9,920 square feet, and the streets on either side measure 24 and 26 feet. In 1960 it was appraised at $19,840 for the land, and $11.100 for improvements. It is rented to Southern Distributors, an auto supply firm. In 1960 the Administrative Services Division of the District of Columbia stated that it would be for sale in 2 to 4 months. It has been offered for sale before (Washington Star, Dec. 5, 1943) and such a sale would include the market space defined in 1802, or half of both streets. The market building itself measures 40 by 248 feet. The Corporation Counsel of the District ruled June 21, 1906, that "The land can be used for other than market purposes until such time as the market requires its use." Present Corporation Council informed the Administrative Services Division that the title is clear and it may be sold. However, they have been advised by the Commis sioners that the Park Service wishes to include the market in its development of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Park, and they have stated it is being held for the Park Service: Sources: Minutes of the Georgetown Corp. (MSS Division, Library of Congress). Tax records of the District of Columbia. B. H. Latrobe, map of the proposed continuation of the canal, 1802, Map Secondary Sources: Volumes 29-30, Columbia Historical Society. Origina! sources from which this report was developed, are as follows: Market space, 3276 M Street, Georgetown, D.C., appears on the Latrobe map of 1802, although this will apply to the lower floor only, the level of the street being changed and second story added. The street leveling cut the market off from the canal and port via rolling roads. Ordinances of the Georgetown Corp., July 19, 1806. Ordinance to regulate the market. No slave shall be permitted to sell any article whatever on the Sabbath Day. 1056 Potomac Street (market space). Georgetown tax records, volume 3, 1813. Georgetown Building Co., part lot 41, 27-foot market, two-story brick house, $2,000. Ordinance of the Georgetown Corp., February 10, 1821. Ordinance for regulating the market and extending limits of the same market limits are Falls (now Bridge) Street at west line of Warehouse Alley, west to the east line of Potomac Street, south to the north line of Cherry Street, west to the west line of Potomac Street, north to the south line of Bridge Street, west to the east line of Market Street, north to Bridge Street, east until it intersects a line north from Warehouse Alley, thence south to the beginning. Ordinance of the Georgetown Corp., January 22, 1831. "All days of the weeks except Sunday are market days from the 1st of April to the 30th of September. Hours are dawn to 8. Other months from dawn til 9." The market limits are all of Bridge Street east of the market to Warehouse Alley, and all Potomac Street between Bridge and Cherry Street. Ordinance of the Georgetown Corp., April 16, 1831. "all stalls in the old or original markethouse, now occupied by butchers claiming to hold under those who were the first occupants, shall be considered as heretofore sold within the meaning of the 15th section of the ordinance entitled "for the better regulation and governments of the market." Ordinance of January 22, 1831, section 9. "All stands or benches which are now and may hereafter be erected between the pillars or piers of the markethouse and fronting the street on either side and extending from the new addition of said markethouse to where the butchers are located, as also stalls 1 and 2 at the northeast corner of the markethouse be declared free and set aside for persons transiently trading from the country to said market." Ordinance of the Georgetown Corp., August 13, 1831. That the clerk of the market "be authorized and requested to cause that part of the floor of the markethouse over the market cellars to be so improved as to be rendered impervious to water, and that to defray the expense thereof, the clerk do pay $90 out of the treasury. Market, 3276 M Street. Jackson's Chronicles of Georgetown. "Used until 1865 when becoming so dilapidated it was torn down and a new building erected in its place in 1865 at a cost of $50,000. During the progress of the work the town rented an old tobacco warehouse between Bridge Street and the canal." This dates the remodeled street floor. "Boston." Chas. Weller, Neglected Neighbors, 1908. Across the canal from Grace Street, within a block of the animated dump heap known as Factory Hill, there was, and is, a region known as "Boston." Its buildings and residents have long typified neglect. The Market House (see vols. 29-30 Columbia Historical Society). On March 19, 1798, the Georgetown Commissioners disposed of the old jail and authorized construction of the markethouse. It appears on B. H. Latrobe's map of 1802 and on subsequent maps. To the markethouse of 1802 was added the front section referred to in the ordinance of January 27, 1831, as the "new addition." Stands were built between the piers of the markethouse. In addition, from dawn until 8 a.m. in summer until 9 a.m. in winter, all of Bridge Street to Warehouse Alley (the tobacco warehouse owned by Margaret Beall) and all Potomac between Bridge (M) and Cherry Street were included in the market. S. 10 of this ordinance refers to butchers and vegetable stalls, and none of the market ordinances refer to the sale of slaves. Stalls rented for $10 for 6 months. Markethouse, 3276 M Street. Owned by District of Columbia which will be free to sell in 1961. Appraised 1960: $19,840 land, $11,100 improvements. The market. See minutes of the Georgetown Corp. (Manuscripts Division, Library of Congress). Ordinances of the Georgetown Corp. (Social and Economic Records Division, U.S. Archives). ANALYSIS OF ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT FACTORS, EASTERN MARKET, WASHINGTON, D.C. ROBERT GLADSTONE & ASSOCIATES, THE NATIONAL CAPITAL PLANNING COMMISSION, GENTLEMEN: This report summarizes our analysis of economic and development factors related to the Eastern Market, located in Capitol Hill at North Carolina Avenue and Seventh Street SE. The purpose of this study is to provide the District of Columbia with relevant market and economic information to assist in formulating land use policies for the Eastern Market. This report is |