CONSENT AGENDA REQUEST

Sponsor:

Board of Supervisors Meeting Date: 

Chester W. Stribling, Chairman, Lee District Supervisor

March 13, 2008

Staff Lead:

Department: 

Larry W. Miller, Director

Parks and Recreation

Topic: 

A Resolution Authorizing the Department of Parks and Recreation to Raze the House at Rappahannock Station

Topic Description:

As part of Fauquier County’s effort to preserve the Rappahannock Station Civil War site, the County acquired land that included an old house.  The condition of the house was suspect when acquired.  As a result, the Department of Parks and Recreation engaged consultants to study the feasibility of rehabilitating the house.  The study investigated the historical value of the house and found that its value is limited.  The house was constructed after the Civil War battles and it does have value for its architectural history.  However, the costs and impact of renovations make the rehabilitation inefficient.  The study indicated that the costs for renovation just for residential purposes would be at least $200,000 to $275,000 with increasing amounts for use as office, museum, or other governmental functions.  Given this information as well as the potential liability due to the dilapidated condition of the structure that could pose safety concerns, it is the Department’s recommendation that the house be razed.  As noted in the report, the Department will salvage as much of the significant architectural materials as possible prior to razing.

Requested Action of the Board of Supervisors: 

Consider adoption of the attached resolution.

Financial Impacts Analysis:

There are no financial impacts associated with this request; the Department will be using voluntary sources to raze the house.

Identify any other Departments, Organizations or Individuals that would be affected by this request:

County Attorney

Piedmont Environmental Council

Attachment:

Rappahannock House Rehabilitation Feasibility Study conducted by SWSG, November 10, 2006.