Frederick Historic Preservation Commission Hearing and Workshop - September 29, 2022

The Frederick Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) convened on Thursday, September 29, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall for a public hearing followed by a workshop. The meeting included demolition reviews, rehabilitation approvals, a recommendation on a National Register boundary increase, and a workshop on a proposed partial demolition and addition at 118 S. Market Street. All votes were unanimous unless otherwise noted.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from the August 11, 2022 hearing and August 25, 2022 workshop unanimously.
• Approved consent items HPC22-756 (300 E. 3rd Street, rehabilitation) and HPC22-865 (140 W. Church Street, solar panels) unanimously.
• Item HPC22-234 (3 E. 3rd Street) was continued to October 13, 2022 at the applicant's request.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were offered during the citizen comment portion of the hearing.

Discussion Items

• HPC22-840DR – 303 W. College Terrace: Staff presented a demolition review for a 1923 Mediterranean Revival house built for McKendry R. Etchison, a prominent local funeral director. Staff found the building contributory to the National Register district but not individually eligible for local designation. The commission concurred and voted not to initiate designation.
• National Register Frederick Historic District (F-3-39) – Boundary Increase: Staff introduced the nomination for additional documentation and boundary increase. The commission voted to recommend acceptance to the Maryland Historical Trust, authorizing the chair to sign a letter prepared by staff.
• HPC22-558 & HPC22-504 – 150 W. Patrick Street: The applicant proposed partial demolition of a rear wing roof and two chimneys, and construction of a two-story addition. The applicant agreed to retain the exterior portions of the chimneys and to modify the roof demolition scope. The addition features a setback from the historic wing, wood double-hung windows, fiber cement siding, and a standing seam metal roof. The commission approved both applications with conditions, including retention of chimneys, addition of windows on the east elevation, and use of approved materials.
• HPC22-767 – 205-207 N. Market Street: The owner proposed replacing siding and windows on a 1990s rooftop addition with beaded vinyl siding and vinyl windows. Staff noted the addition is minimally visible from the street and unique physical/logistical constraints. The commission approved the application based on the applicant's thorough workshop presentation.
• HPC22-769 – 18 E. 2nd Street: The applicant was not present; the item was continued to October 13, 2022.
• HPC22-792 – 106 E. Church Street: The applicant sought to install a freestanding sign made of synthetic stucco (polystyrene core with proprietary coating) in front of the historic Trail Mansion. Staff recommended denial because the material is not permitted under the guidelines. The applicant agreed to revise the application to use brick, wood, or metal. The item was continued to October 27, 2022 for administrative review of revised plans.
• HPC22-793 – 123 E. 3rd Street: The owner proposed replacing two historic double-hung windows, enlarging a non-historic opening, and installing an exhaust vent. Staff found the historic windows repairable and recommended denial of their replacement. The owner accepted. The commission denied replacement of the two historic windows (citing pages 56-58 of the design guidelines) but approved the alteration of the non-historic opening (with condition to protect the historic brick arch) and the vent installation.
• HPC22-813 – 29 N. Market Street: The applicant proposed replacing five rear first-floor windows with aluminum-clad double-hung units with simulated divided lights; security grilles to remain. Staff supported the replacement due to difficult site conditions (zero-lot line, mezzanine interior) and lack of visibility. The commission approved with the condition that grilles use permanently affixed grids with a spacer bar (Detail J).
• HPC22-814 – 112 E. Patrick Street: The applicant proposed two brick-clad CMU support piers at the rear loading bay, concrete beam repair, and brick repointing. Staff recommended approval with conditions that piers be differentiated from historic brick (either recessed or with alternate material). The applicant agreed to recess the piers per engineer's advice. The commission approved with conditions.
• HPC22-815 – 106 N. Court Street: The applicant proposed a two-story rear addition with solid PVC panels, aluminum-clad windows, standing seam metal roof, new patio and pergola. Staff found the addition appropriate given its setback and screening. The commission approved with conditions that PVC have smooth finish and any pressure-treated wood be painted/stained.

Key Outcomes

• HPC22-840DR: Unanimous vote not to designate property.
• National Register Vote: Unanimous recommendation to accept boundary increase.
• HPC22-558 & HPC22-504: Approved with conditions as amended.
• HPC22-767: Approved.
• HPC22-769: Continued to October 13, 2022.
• HPC22-792: Continued to October 27, 2022 for revised materials.
• HPC22-793: Denied replacement of two historic windows; approved remainder with condition.
• HPC22-813: Approved with condition on window grids.
• HPC22-814: Approved with conditions.
• HPC22-815: Approved with conditions.

Workshop Items

• HPC22-870 & HPC22-871 – 118 S. Market Street: The workshop addressed the proposed partial demolition of a rear chimney and rear wall, and the construction of a one-story addition with rooftop balcony for Black Hog BBQ. Staff found the building a contributing resource but not of unusual importance; the commission unanimously agreed. The addition design – with CMU walls, metal elements, a green screen (eco-mesh), and a pergola – was discussed at length. Commissioners expressed support for the utilitarian industrial character that relates to the historic warehouse. The applicant agreed to provide context renderings and update details. The application will proceed to a hearing on October 13, 2022.