ARLINGTON HOUSE Historic Structures Report Phase II

It is necessary to examine the list of recommended dangers proposed in the two previous sections in light of the Criteria of Effect and Adverse Effect, Chapter 36 Part 800.3 of the Code of Federal Regulations, to assess the impact the implementation of a particular recommendation might have on the integrity of Arlington House. What follows then is an examination of each "General Recommendation." Specific recommendations will be discussed collectively toward the latter half of this section.

I. Interior Paint: Implementation of the recommendation to paint the interior of Arlington House will have an effect on the appearance of the building. It is judged to be of no adverse effect only if the methods of paint removal, paint type, and application techniques described in this report are adhered to strictly.

II. Heating System: The introduction of a humidity control system at Arlington House has been recommended but should be considered in the most serious light before any work proceeds. While humidity levels of between 45% and 55% are suggested for the proper preservation of historic furnishings, the introduction of significant amounts of moisture into a building interior has been proven to cause deterioration of architectural features in some cases, especially exterior walls. The impact of a potential humidity system then must be carefully considered and only after all concerned have determined that no adverse effect will result should installation take place. The presence of an existing heating system will allow inclusion of a humidity system without alteration of any part of the historic fabric or introduction of visual, audible or atmospheric elements that would be out of character with the property.

III. Update House Electrical System: As long as the visual impact of an electrical heavy-up is minimized then this proposed system up-date can be determined to have no adverse effect as it will have minimal impact on historic fabric.

IV. Reduction of Fire Hazards: Removal of old wiring and fire hazards has an effect on the structure. The effect of this proposed work is found not to be adverse because it will not result in the destruction of any significant features of the property. It will, in fact, eliminate non-historic elements that presently interfere with the ambience of Arlington House.

V. Recover Paint Layering Panel Exhibits: This function will have an effect. It is judged to be of no adverse effect because it will not result in damage to historic fabric, rather, it will protect historic fabric.

VI. Historic House Lighting: The introduction of a system of lighting will have an effect on the structure. The effect of this proposed work will not be adverse because it will not result in the destruction of any significant features of the property. If designed by a lighting specialist in conjunction with DSC, GWMP, and NCR personnel, then this system would not cause modification of significant features other than the possible introduction of power outlets. These outlets would be located, as much as possible, in non-historic fabric and would be situated so that the visual impact will be minimized. Lighting can be of the removable type.

VII. Replace/Repair Existing Door Hardware: Replacement and/or repair of hardware will have an effect. If authentic reproduction or restored historic hardware is utilized, then this work is determined to have no adverse effect, but rather will remove non-historic elements that are presently out of character.

VIII. Preserve Incidences of Natural Wear and Cracks: This non-action is determined to have no effect because cracks in plaster and worn flooring board that are not yet dangerous contribute to the historic ambience of Arlington House.

IX. Replace Wing Roofs: Replacement of the roofing of the wing roofs will have an effect. This effect is judged not to be adverse because the proposed work will not result in the destruction of significant features of the property. The terpolymer membrane and plywood sheathing are recent, as of 1974, so their removal will have very little impact on the structure Installation of a new system, designed to approximate the historic condition, will return the wings as nearly as possible to their appearance during the Lees' residence.

X. Stabilize Main Block Attic: Stabilization of the attic structure will have an effect on Arlington House. The effect is considered not to be adverse because the proposed undertaking will not result in the destruction of significant features of the property, even though substantial alterations are planned. Although the restructuring will introduce elements that are out of character with the historic conditions, this is not felt to be adverse as the new work will not be visible to the public. The proposed undertaking will not result in the deterioration or destruction of federally owned property, but will in fact prolong the life of Arlington House and will remove the possibility of harm to site visitors from partial or total roof collapse.

XI. The reconstruction of the portico steps will have an effect on the structure. This effect is considered not to be adverse because the proposed undertaking will not result in the destruction of significant features of the property. Some demolition will take place but only material dating from the twentieth century will be modified. Care was taken in the ordering of special treads and risers to match material shown in the 1864 Russell photographs of the structure. The effect will be to return the portico to its appearance during the years of the Lees' residence.

Specific Recommendations

Recommendations for treatment for specific rooms or areas are numerous and so will be discussed as they fall into three work categories. The category of maintenance, whether routine or cyclical, includes patching plaster walls, painting, minor repairs, and the like.

Restoration/Preservation of missing or damaged historical material constitutes a second category. Typical work would include reconstruction of altered fireplace mouths, replacement of damaged or unsafe fabric, and removal of non-historic non-essential elements, such as abandoned wiring or unused fire extinguisher wall brackets.

The reconstruction and installation of new fabric to approximate the historic condition falls into the third group. This type of work would consist of, for example, refurnishing the winter kitchen (room B02) to more accurately represent a 19th century kitchen, removal of door 101/D2 and installation of a historically accurate window, and the reconstruction of new interior shutters for the north and south wings to approximate, as nearly as possible, the historic condition.

In all cases these proposed changes will have an effect on Arlington House. In applying the criteria of adverse effect, 36 CFR Part 600.3(b), the National Park Service has found the effect not to be adverse because:

a. The proposed undertakings will not result in the destruction of the significant features of the property, even though alterations are planned. This structure underwent a period of modification during the years of 1864 to 1933 when administration of the building was by the U.S. Army.

Many of these modifications remain and have been included in the recording of the structure, both in the form of accurate measured drawings and historic and contemporary photographs. The removal of these modifications will be an essential step in the process of restoring Arlington House to its appearance during the years of the Lee family's residence.

b. The proposed undertaking will not result in the isolation of the property from, or alteration of, its surrounding environment. Rather, it will more accurately re-create the historic scene.

c. The proposed undertaking will not introduce visual, audible, or atmospheric elements that are out of character with the property or its setting.

d. The proposed undertaking will not result in transfer, sale, deterioration, or destruction of federally owned property.