Historic Perkins Chapel
Perkins Chapel is recognized as one of the few surviving rural chapels from the mid-nineteenth century on the MD Historic Trust Inventory of Historic Properties. Perkins Chapel “embodies the distinctive characteristics of the rural meeting house type of construction” according to the criteria listed in the ‘Historic Sites and District Plans’. Construction occurred from 1861- 1866, during the Civil War.
Over time, the Chapel had degraded and was in desperate need of repair. Foundations began to lose their structural integrity and the electrical service was deemed a fire hazard. At some point, the original cedar shake roof had been replaced with historically inaccurate asphalt shingles which were allowing water damage to the Chapel.
Glenn Dale United Methodist Church, as the caretaker of the Chapel, brought in HD Squared Architects based on their reputation within the Methodist Conference and Prince George’s County Historic Property Grant Program to assist in acquiring three grants over several years to supplement the Congregation’s funding for restoration.
Repairs included:
- Stripping and restoring the existing German siding, soffits, corbels, exterior trim
- Replacing the roof with a historically accurate roof
- Leveling the sagging floor of the main worship space and installing new flooring
- Rewiring the electrical system including installation of new heating units
- Repairing / repointing the brick foundations
Melanie and I started working together in 2002. As a builder, I truly enjoy working with Melanie. She is skilled at conveying her design intent, while at the same time understanding that conditions in the field may require that I approach this intent differently from how she might have expected. Her architectural and design skills are only surpassed by her passion for her work. Melanie consistently weighs her design decisions against the ultimate impact these decisions will have on the environment. She is also very conscientious about her client’s budget, doing her best to help her clients understand the outcome of their decisions.
