Frederick Historic Preservation Commission Workshop – August 25, 2022

The City of Frederick Historic Preservation Commission held a workshop on August 25, 2022, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting covered four agenda items: three property rehabilitation applications and an introduction to a National Register of Historic Places boundary increase. Commissioners discussed proposed alterations, reviewed staff recommendations, and heard from applicants and contractors. No formal votes were taken; all items are scheduled for future hearings.

Discussion Items

HPC22-756 – 300 E. 3rd Street (Brandon & Kathryn Rice)

• Project: Proposed modifications to a rear door opening on a late‑19th‑century contributing resource, including removal of the transom to accommodate interior floor leveling. The existing door will be retained, and the infill panel will be painted MDO. Other items (weather vane, etc.) were noted as consistent with guidelines.
• Commission Discussion: Commissioners supported the proposal provided additional documentation is submitted showing details of the infill, new sill plate, and trim treatment. They accepted painted MDO as an appropriate infill material. The weather vane choice was praised.
• Outcome: The item is expected to be placed on the consent agenda for the September 8, 2022 hearing, pending minor documentation updates due by August 29.

HPC22-767 – 205-207 N. Market Street (Colleen Tracy Bromley)

• Project: Replacement of siding and windows on a c. 1990 rooftop addition to a contributing Italianate commercial building (c. 1860). The proposal calls for vinyl windows and vinyl siding, citing safety concerns (weight of wood windows on a swing stage) and the inability to maintain the existing fiber‑cement siding. The historic windows on the front and at Creme de la Creme will be repaired under a separate administrative approval.
• Applicant/Contractor Positions: Tracy Bromley and contractor Rob Gills emphasized the extreme logistical challenges (narrow alley, shared courtyard, no storage) that make vinyl the only feasible material. They argued that modern vinyl windows are durable and lightweight, and that vinyl siding (Carolina beaded style) is visually equivalent to the existing material and removes excess weight from the brick structure.
• Commission Discussion: Commissioners appreciated the safety and structural concerns but remained cautious about vinyl siding on a visible portion of the building. They requested more detailed photographs (including drone shots) to clarify the interaction between the addition and the historic brick wing, and to document the current window materials. The fluted decorative trim will not be replicated.
• Outcome: The item will proceed to the September 8 hearing; additional documentation is requested.

HPC22-769 – 18 E. 2nd Street (Katherine Sellers, represented by Wendy Campbell)

• Project: After‑the‑fact approval for replacement of shutters with mahogany paneled wood shutters. The prior shutters (c. 1970) were not historic. Staff noted that the Maryland Historical Trust survey from the 1970s reported louvered shutters on the second floor and paneled on the first, but the applicant replaced all with paneled. The shutters are operable and match opening sizes.
• Applicant Position: Wendy Campbell requested that the shutters remain natural (stained) rather than painted, arguing that the natural wood enhances the historic appearance and that the building has received many compliments. She noted the stoop was painted by the previous owner as a protective measure against brownstone deterioration.
• Commission Discussion: Commissioners split on the paint issue. Some argued painted shutters are historically appropriate for a Federal‑style building and consistent with guidelines; others found the stained wood beautiful but recognized the guideline requirement. Regarding the stoop, commissioners noted that painting had been done previously and may not require HPC approval, though some expressed concern about trapping moisture. The paneled‑vs‑louvered discrepancy was considered acceptable given the non‑historic status of the replaced shutters.
• Outcome: The application will be heard at the September 8 hearing, where a decision on painting and overall approval will be made.

Introduction of the National Register of Historic Places – Frederick Historic District, F‑3‑39 (Additional Documentation and Boundary Increase)

• Project: Staff presented an informational update on a nomination to expand and update the National Register listing for the Frederick Historic District. The project was funded by a 2019 Maryland Historical Trust grant and completed by Gray & Pape Inc. It provides a comprehensive survey (first since 1988), addresses underrepresented communities, and re‑evaluates boundaries. The nomination has been reviewed by state staff.
• Commission Discussion: Commissioners asked whether the city plans to expand its own historic preservation overlay to match the new boundaries. Staff noted that any such expansion would require a full rezoning process including HPC, Planning Commission, and Board of Aldermen approval.
• Outcome: The commission will be asked to make a formal recommendation on eligibility at the September 22 meeting.

Key Outcomes

• No decisions were made at the workshop. The first three applications will be heard at the September 8, 2022 HPC hearing. The National Register recommendation will be considered at the September 22 meeting.
• Additional documentation was requested for the 300 E. 3rd Street and 205-207 N. Market Street applications; the respective applicants were advised to submit updates by August 29 (E. 3rd) and before the hearing (N. Market).