(Mount Rainier, MD) - City of Mount Rainier’s long overdue plan to renovate the 114-year-old building, Potts Hall on 3405 Rhode Island Ave, will take off this month. City officials announced the renovation of the city-owned building and City Hall will begin on March 28, 2023, to create a new welcome center, as part of the revitalization and development efforts of the City.
Built in 1909, Potts Hall building is listed as one of the historic properties in Mount Rainier by the Maryland Historical Trust, holding over 100 years of history. Predating the City’s incorporation in 1910, Potts Hall was the venue of the first city council meetings and a place for religious and civic activities.
“This project did not happen overnight, we are grateful for the work of the past City Council and administration for leading us to this point, we are very excited that we are finally moving forward,” said Mayor Celina Benitez. “Investing in a new welcome center supports our long-term plan to revitalize the City’s downtown core to attract more visitors to the City, strengthen our local economy, and better serve our residents,” she added.
City Manager, Kourosh Kamali will oversee the nearly $6M project which involves connecting the two-story Potts Hall to the adjacent City Hall to create a visual and functional two-story, 1,250-square foot lobby addition and entry feature for the new welcome center.
“Potts Hall building is 114 years old, major renovations are needed. Through the project, we will be able to make these renovations on the historic building while preserving its historic features,” said City Manager, Kourosh Kamali
The new welcome center's prominent architectural design features include:
Lobby: 40’ long Glass Canopy: The canopy is a prominent architectural feature of the front facade linking the existing buildings and creating a main entrance walkway across the plaza. The glass canopy is made of tinted fritted structural glass with stainless steel supports.
Building Signage: Stainless steel individual letters will be mounted on top of the canopy calling out the name of the structure: Mount Rainier Welcome Center.
Potts Hall: Windows and doors will be located in existing openings, with some exceptions on the 1st floor. The interior spaces will include a multipurpose space and audiovisual room on the second floor and potential retail space, bathrooms, kitchenette, and support space on the first floor.
Exterior Plaza Stairs: The stairs will be constructed of Absolute Black Granite and will morph the paved walking surface at the lobby and existing City Hall with the existing paving at the bus depot.
Alley: A new painted steel covering and egress stair structure will be constructed in the alley behind the Potts Hall building. This is required to satisfy the building code.
The project was awarded to Virginia-based construction company, Monarc Construction which is expected to complete phase 1 of the two-phased construction in a year.
The project will be funded through American Rescue Plan Act ($1 M), state legislative bond ($250,000), and bank financing ($2 M). The City is still seeking additional funds through grants and state funding to complete phase two of the construction.
While construction is ongoing, the City’s administrative offices at City Hall will be operating from the Malinda Miles Building, 3503 Perry Street, Mount Rainier.