PHase 1 renovations continue
Old window
Old siding revealed
New window installed
Windows
We have new windows! Custom-made double-pane wood windows have been installed. These windows conform with Maryland Historical Trust guidelines, and the windows look similar to the exterior of the old windows that needed to be removed due to deterioration.
Exterior Siding
An addition was made to the Gatehouse, but the date is unknown. At some point, asbestos shingles were installed on the 2nd level of the addition. The asbestos shingles had to be removed because they were deteriorated and broken, posing a health risk to the window installers. A delightful discovery was made when the old shingles were removed. The original siding on the addition (the addition itself was added after the original Gatehouse was built) is Dutch Lap siding. This siding will be repainted, and flashing will be added between it and the masonry base to protect the siding in the future.
- Next steps to complete Phase 1-
- New floors and stairway: As work progressed, it became clear that keeping the original southern pine flooring on the main level was not feasible. The floor was too damaged and included several poorly done repairs. The floor in the old main-level bathroom, which will become the administrative office for the Gatehouse Community Resource Center, was rotted out and unsafe. The main level floor and newly widened stairway will be red oak, clear-coated with a water-based finish.
- Exterior painting: The exterior of the Gatehouse will be painted using a historic paint palette developed by nationally renowned Paint Analyst and Historic Restoration Specialist Matthew Mosca.
- Exterior chimney repairs: To conform with Maryland Historical Trust conditions for renovating the Gatehouse, the exterior chimney, which is no longer in use, must remain a fixture of the building. The chimney will be repointed and closed off.
- Exterior masonry: The rusticated concrete lock base of the Gatehouse addition will be repaired, repointed, and repainted following the same historical color palette developed by Matthew Mosca.
- Lower-level exterior door: The existing lower-level exterior door will be removed, and the opening widened to accommodate an ADA-compliant door.