Church Building, Tennis Dome Collapse Under Snow

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MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — Two structures groaning under the weight of nearly 30 inches of snow collapsed: the tennis dome at Quince Orchard Swim & Tennis Club in Gaithersburg and a church building in Silver Spring.

A building on the grounds of Shiloh Christian Fellowship Church, 14905 New Hampshire Ave. in Silver Spring, collapsed Monday morning.

Montgomery County Fires and Rescue Services spokesman Pete Piringer, described the property damage as “almost total destruction.” Only one wall was left standing.

No one was in the building at the time of the collapse. Piringer says a building inspector has been notified.

In the other incident, the Gaithersburg club posted a note on Twitter informing members that despite preparations, the Tennis Dome collapsed Saturday afternoon during the height of the storm.

Tim Harvey, executive director of the club, said an eight-man storm team was on-site around the clock through the blizzard, but couldn’t prevent the collapse. The club is waiting for a detailed damage assessment.

“Thankfully, our Swim Dome, whose air and pool water heat can significantly aid in snow melt, survived the historic storm. It’s my understanding that over 15 Clubs in the area have suffered storm damage so our thoughts are with them as well. Truly a devastating event,” Harvey said.

»Photo of building collapse at Shiloh Christian Fellowship Church in Silver Spring, courtesy of Pete Piringer, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services