Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - November 10, 2022

The Frederick Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) held a public hearing and workshop on Thursday, November 10, 2022, at 6:00 PM at City Hall, 101 North Court Street. Vice Chair Robert Van Rennes presided, with Commissioners Paul Fitzgerald, Anne Hart, and Eva Saller present. Staff included Division Manager Lisa Mroszczyk Murphy and Assistant City Attorney Scott Waxter. The commission heard cases on demolition, new construction, rehabilitation, and signage, and conducted a workshop on two properties.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The October 27, 2022 hearing and workshop minutes were approved unanimously.
• Administrative Approval Report: The commission approved the October 2022 administrative approval report containing 25 administrative approvals.
• Consent Item HPC22-1040 (9-11 N. Market Street): Approved unanimously as a consent item for rehabilitation, with no public requests to pull it.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public provided comments during the designated citizen comment periods.
• At 18 E. 2nd Street, a commissioner (speaking from the dais) advised the applicant that painting shutters was not just aesthetic but functional for protecting wood, and that the proposed self-sealer was likely not opaque enough to meet guidelines.

Discussion Items

• Prospect Hall, 889 Butterfly Lane: The commission reviewed a recommendation to the Planning Commission concerning site modifications to the historic Prospect Hall property. Staff and commissioners noted that the park-like setting, topography, and manor house prominence were character-defining features, and that the applicant had provided extensive information at the October 27 workshop. The commission voted to forward a positive recommendation to the Planning Commission.
• HPC22-1044DR (330 Aviation Way): A demolition review for a circa 1972 structure at Frederick Municipal Airport. Staff reported the structure had been substantially altered and was not individually significant. The commission voted unanimously not to make an application to designate the structure.
• HPC22-78 (43 E. South Street): Level 1 review for a new four-and-a-half-story multifamily residential building behind the former Thomas and Company fertilizer works (contributing resource). Staff and commissioners found the design compatible in footprint, massing, materials, and setting, and voted unanimously to approve at Level 1.
• HPC22-769 (18 E. 2nd Street): Rehabilitation proposal including replacement of shutters. Staff recommended approval with a condition that shutters be painted or stained with a solid opaque stain. The commission approved unanimously with that condition, after discussion clarifying that the prior shutters were likely 1970s and non-historic, and that transparent or self-sealing finishes do not satisfy the opaque requirement.
• HPC22-981 (126 W. Church Street): Repair and repointing of four chimneys on a mid-19th-century contributing resource. The applicant requested use of a grinder, citing access and time constraints. Commission approved with conditions: hand tools only for mortar removal, or if power tools are used, a test panel subject to staff review, and power tools only on horizontal joints.
• HPC22-989 (124 W. 3rd Street): Amendment to a prior approval to widen an interior door opening in a brick garden shed now incorporated into a new addition. The applicant explained the change improves functionality of a wine/beverage tasting area. Commission approved unanimously.
• HPC22-792 (106 E. Church Street): Item was postponed because the public notice sign was not posted as required; no action was taken.

Workshop Agenda

• HPC22-602 (216 E. Patrick Street): Workshop on proposed exterior modifications to the former Eagles Club, including replacing glass block windows on a side elevation. The applicant presented compromise options (A, B, C) to retain some glass block while adding operable windows. Commissioners expressed mixed views; Option B (replacing only upper openings, keeping lower glass block) gained support, while Option C was less favored. The commission encouraged the applicant to bring back detailed renderings, possibly matching the front window style or industrial-style windows, while retaining glass block on the rear stairwell.
• HPC22-935 (256 S. Carroll Street): Workshop on demolition of a 1920s terracotta block garage found to be a contributing resource. The applicant proposed a replacement fence mimicking the garage doors. Commissioners requested additional information on structural condition, repair costs, foundation, and a detailed replacement plan before making a decision.

Key Outcomes

• Votes taken (all unanimous unless noted):
  • Approved minutes (October 27, 2022).
  • Approved administrative approval report (25 approvals).
  • Approved consent item HPC22-1040.
  • Forwarded positive recommendation on Prospect Hall to Planning Commission.
  • Approved not to designate the structure at 330 Aviation Way.
  • Approved Level 1 for HPC22-78.
  • Approved HPC22-769 with condition on opaque paint/stain.
  • Approved HPC22-981 with conditions on hand tools/test panel.
  • Approved HPC22-989.
• Postponements: HPC22-792 (106 E. Church Street) postponed due to missing public notice sign.
• Ongoing workshop items: HPC22-602 and HPC22-935 were discussed and continued; applicants were directed to provide additional design options and supporting documentation, respectively.