OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - April 27, 2023

Historic Preservation CommissionThursday, April 27, 2023
BodyFrederick, Maryland
SessionHistoric Preservation Commission
DateThursday, April 27, 2023
StatusFILED
Video Record

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Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

Meeting of the City of Frederick Historic Preservation Commission.

0:07

Anyone here this evening who would like to speak before the Commission or be heard?

0:12

Um, either applicants or members of the public, please stand and be sworn in the middle.

0:33

Nothing but the truth.

0:34

If so, answer I do.

0:36

Thank you.

0:48

Frederick City Historic Preservation Commission uses the guidelines adopted by the Mayor and Board of Alderman and the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation, published by the U.S.

0:59

Department of the Interior, National Park Service, and these guidelines are made a part of each and every case.

1:18

Over on my left, the audience's right, we have filling in for our usual capable assistant.

1:26

We have the Manager of Community Planning and Urban Design, Mr.

1:30

Brandon Mark.

1:31

And we have Commissioner Blair Wilson.

1:53

I'm sorry.

1:53

Christina Martin Koske.

1:55

I see Lisa's not here this evening.

6:56

By preserving sites, structures or districts that reflect elements of cultural, social, economic, political, archaeological, or architectural history to stabilize and improve property values of such sites, structures or districts, to foster civic beauty, to strengthen the local economy, and to promote the preservation and appreciation of such such sites, structures, and districts for the education and welfare of the residents of the city of Frederick.

7:25

In order to be eligible to vote on an application, a commissioner must have made the required site visit and attended any and all meetings at which such an application was discussed.

7:34

In the event that a commissioner is absent from any such meeting, the commissioner may satisfy the attendance requirement by reviewing the record of that meeting.

7:49

That being said, are any are there any commissioners with statements of eligibility?

7:57

All right, hearing none, I will ask the city staff if there are any announcements this evening.

8:58

Moving on to HPC business.

9:12

Yes, I would like to enter the entire staff or rather the entire memo into the record.

9:17

A request for demolition review has been submitted per section four twenty-three A of the land management code for two structures on the campus of Hood College, four hundred one Rosemont Avenue, a property listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.

9:33

The first structure, Strong Cottage, dates to 1918 and is identified as a contributing resource in the National Register domination.

9:41

Further, the nomination provides the following context.

9:54

Also constructed in the colonial revival style.

10:00

Also constructed in the colonial revival style, although although in more appropriate domestic form, the building offered students an initiative pioneering approach to domestic sciences courses with the addition of practical on-site dream house to the home management curriculum.

10:14

The placement of the cottage to the southeast of Broadick Hall began the outer ring of secondary structures envisioned in the original design plan.

10:24

The cottage was named for donor Dr.

10:26

David Strong of Jacksonville, Illinois, an educational philanthropist who became particularly interested in Hood College through his niece, Ruth Strong Moncraft, who graduated from the college in 1918.

10:39

The building was substantially renovated in 1962.

10:43

While substantially renovated, the structure appears to maintain a good level of integrity as demonstrated by historic photographs in the self-titled history published by the college in 2013.

10:54

Additionally, the National Register nomination establishes the structure's significance as the home of an innovative pioneering approach to domestic science and part of the building campaign to fulfill the original design plan.

11:08

As a result, staff finds the structure may be eligible for individual designation under the designation criteria outlined in Section 423D.

11:16

Staff recommends the commission make an application for the structure.

11:21

The second structure, Carson College Cottage, was constructed in 1923.

11:26

The National Register nomination again provides the following background.

11:31

The Y Hut Bungalow was constructed in 1923 with initial funds given to the college by Mrs.

11:37

Martha Campbell Carson, the COP, the campus dietitian.

11:41

The building renamed Carson Y in 1952 originally served as the headquarters for the student YMCA and later was used for both recreational and education and each educational endeavors.

11:53

In 1959, the building was substantially renovated, and the Harlan Fox edition was added to the alumni administration offices, named for Fox, an alumni of the class of 1935.

12:05

Carson Cottage was later converted into the communications and adult learning center.

12:11

While Carson Cottage was also identified in the 2002 National Register nomination as a contribu as contributing, historic photographs show that it has been substantially altered.

12:22

Staff finds that the structure lacks integrity, historic integrity, that and would not be individually eligible under the designation criteria outlined again in Section 423 of the land management code, and recommend recommends that the commission not make an application to designate the second structure.

12:39

Note uh two other structures, a green house and a gazebo were issued certificates to demolish without delay by staff as a result of being less than 50 years of age.

12:50

Thank you.

12:59

All right, thank you.

13:02

Is there anyone here from uh is there anyone here to represent the applicant?

13:09

All right, sorry to come forward evening.

13:22

My name is Rob Kleindenstone, the vice president for finance from Hood College.

13:29

All right.

13:30

Um you have any comments or anything to add or any you have anything to add or any commentary on the staff report?

13:39

Sure.

13:40

Um so I would like to add that uh Strong Cottage has been used by the admissions department um for quite some time now, so its original use hasn't been the current use for a while.

13:56

Um I would also like to add that the photograph in in the memorandum shows the um building as originally built, um, and that more current photographs um show that it has been altered too.

14:12

Um and Hood College does not see it as significant as many other buildings on campus in terms of its historical significance.

14:23

Um I'd also like to add that um over the uh winter break um we had uh freeze event in the building, and so the um the heating system froze, unfortunately.

14:37

Um, and so the building um was damaged by flood.

14:42

Um the admission staff were relocated elsewhere on campus.

14:46

The building has been unoccupied since that time, um, and it's been structurally damaged.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Historic Preservation█████████████████████████████████████████████61%
Urban Design██████████13%
Architectural Design████████11%
Public Comment██3%
Demolition Permits2%
Parking Policies2%
Procedural2%
National Register Historic District1%
Historic Preservation Commission1%
Summary of Proceedings

Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - April 27, 2023

The Historic Preservation Commission met on April 27, 2023, at 6:00 PM at City Hall in Frederick, Maryland, to conduct public hearings, discuss demolition review requests, certify historic preservation tax credits, and workshop design proposals. Key actions included votes on historic designation for two Hood College cottages, approval of several renovation and new construction applications with conditions, and extensive discussion on a large-scale mixed-use development at the former Odd Fellows Home.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • 105 W. 2nd Street (garage): Catherine Wenzel (neighbor) and Peter Samuel (neighbor) requested a 12-foot setback to allow for a future alley, citing the city’s comprehensive plan and safety concerns. Legal counsel stated the commission lacks authority to impose such a condition as it would constitute a taking of private property.
  • Other cases: No additional public testimony was offered for the remaining agenda items.

Discussion Items

  • HPC23-320DR – 401 Rosemont Ave (Hood College): Staff recommended initiating historic preservation overlay designation for Strong Cottage (1918, contributing resource) but not for Carson Cottage (1923, heavily altered). Applicant Rob Kleindenstone (VP for Finance) explained the buildings are part of a parking and circulation master plan; Strong Cottage suffered freeze damage and is unoccupied. Commissioners debated integrity and significance. Vote: Motion to make application for designation of Strong Cottage passed; motion to not make application for Carson Cottage passed.
  • HPC23-332DR – 6 Fairview Ave: Staff found the 1950s tract house does not meet designation criteria (no historic significance, altered). Commissioners agreed and voted not to initiate designation.
  • Certification of 2022 Historic Preservation Property Tax Credits (Group I): Staff reported 26 applications received, representing over $400,000 in investment and $95,000 in credits. The Commission certified the FY24 report and forwarded it to the Director of Finance.
  • HPC23-17 – 105 W. 2nd Street (new garage): Applicant Ben Bates presented a significantly revised one-story garage design. Staff noted compatibility with historic district. Approved with conditions: galvanized roof color, and siding/trim color submitted for staff review.
  • HPC23-257 – 15 E. 6th Street (fence): Staff supported a 6-foot horizontal board fence at rear of 1950s commercial building. Approved with condition height including posts not exceed 6 feet.
  • HPC23-258 – 100 E. All Saints Street (partial demolition for police HQ): The circa 1995 office building was found to be non-contributing (under 50 years, no historic value). Staff recommended approval contingent on review of replacement plan. Commissioners had no concerns; vote to find non-contributing passed.
  • HPC23-349 – 110 N. Market Street (paint masonry): Proposal to paint a rear brick wall (graffiti issue) in a narrow walkway. Staff found it appropriate due to location and context. Approved as submitted.
  • HPC23-351 – 168 W. All Saints Street (replace windows): Applicant Mario Padilla explained a contractor made unauthorized replacements. Two options: salvage six-over-six wood windows or new Marvin windows. Approved with conditions: windows must fit original openings; staff review of mutton profile (¾ inch or less recommended).
  • HPC23-364 – 111 E. 2nd Street (partial demolition): Queen Anne dwelling (1904) retains integrity and is a contributing resource. Motion to find contributing resource passed unanimously.
  • Workshop – HPC22-1081 – 148 B&O Avenue (rehabilitation & addition): Applicant Angela Flook presented two roof design options for a rear addition. Commissioners leaned toward Option 1 (matching existing roof pitch) and expressed preference for board-and-batten siding over smooth panels. No formal vote; applicant to refine design.
  • Workshop – HPC23-242 – 1730 N. Market Street (new construction, Odd Fellows Home): Extensive discussion on massing, scale, and relationship to historic buildings. Commissioners raised concerns that the proposed four-story apartment blocks overwhelm the historic structures, especially the central Oddfellows building. They recommended pulling these buildings further back, reducing massing near the historic core, and possibly using more deferential materials. No vote; applicant (Tim Kamas) agreed to revise plans.
  • Workshop – HPC23-258 – 100 E. All Saints Street (continued): The applicant reviewed specific demolition elements (trash enclosure, stairs, planter walls, curtain wall alterations). Commissioners had no objections, pending later review of the replacement plan.
  • Workshop – HPC23-362 – 206 E. 4th Street (rehabilitation, El Shaddai Congregation): Applicant Dan McDougal presented a plan to add a stone-clad porch, landscape planters, and a canopy, inspired by Jerusalem architecture. Commissioners praised the design and cultural significance, and expressed no concerns regarding materials (cultured stone is acceptable in this context).

Key Outcomes

  • Strong Cottage (401 Rosemont Ave): Commission initiated application for historic preservation overlay designation. Carson Cottage will not be designated.
  • 6 Fairview Ave: No designation initiated; certificate of demolition to be issued.
  • FY24 Historic Preservation Tax Credits (Group I): Certified and forwarded.
  • 105 W. 2nd Street garage: Approved with conditions (roof color, siding/trim staff review).
  • 15 E. 6th Street fence: Approved with height condition.
  • 100 E. All Saints Street: Building found non-contributing; partial demolition conceptually supported pending replacement plan review.
  • 110 N. Market Street paint: Approved.
  • 168 W. All Saints Street windows: Approved with conditions on fit and mutton specifications.
  • 111 E. 2nd Street: Found contributing resource.
  • Workshop items (148 B&O, 1730 N. Market, 206 E. 4th St): No formal votes; guidance provided for future submissions.

Meeting Transcript

Meeting of the City of Frederick Historic Preservation Commission. Anyone here this evening who would like to speak before the Commission or be heard? Um, either applicants or members of the public, please stand and be sworn in the middle. Nothing but the truth. If so, answer I do. Thank you. Frederick City Historic Preservation Commission uses the guidelines adopted by the Mayor and Board of Alderman and the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation, published by the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, and these guidelines are made a part of each and every case. Over on my left, the audience's right, we have filling in for our usual capable assistant. We have the Manager of Community Planning and Urban Design, Mr. Brandon Mark. And we have Commissioner Blair Wilson. I'm sorry. Christina Martin Koske. I see Lisa's not here this evening. By preserving sites, structures or districts that reflect elements of cultural, social, economic, political, archaeological, or architectural history to stabilize and improve property values of such sites, structures or districts, to foster civic beauty, to strengthen the local economy, and to promote the preservation and appreciation of such such sites, structures, and districts for the education and welfare of the residents of the city of Frederick. In order to be eligible to vote on an application, a commissioner must have made the required site visit and attended any and all meetings at which such an application was discussed. In the event that a commissioner is absent from any such meeting, the commissioner may satisfy the attendance requirement by reviewing the record of that meeting. That being said, are any are there any commissioners with statements of eligibility? All right, hearing none, I will ask the city staff if there are any announcements this evening. Moving on to HPC business. Yes, I would like to enter the entire staff or rather the entire memo into the record. A request for demolition review has been submitted per section four twenty-three A of the land management code for two structures on the campus of Hood College, four hundred one Rosemont Avenue, a property listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. The first structure, Strong Cottage, dates to 1918 and is identified as a contributing resource in the National Register domination. Further, the nomination provides the following context. Also constructed in the colonial revival style. Also constructed in the colonial revival style, although although in more appropriate domestic form, the building offered students an initiative pioneering approach to domestic sciences courses with the addition of practical on-site dream house to the home management curriculum. The placement of the cottage to the southeast of Broadick Hall began the outer ring of secondary structures envisioned in the original design plan. The cottage was named for donor Dr. David Strong of Jacksonville, Illinois, an educational philanthropist who became particularly interested in Hood College through his niece, Ruth Strong Moncraft, who graduated from the college in 1918. The building was substantially renovated in 1962. While substantially renovated, the structure appears to maintain a good level of integrity as demonstrated by historic photographs in the self-titled history published by the college in 2013. Additionally, the National Register nomination establishes the structure's significance as the home of an innovative pioneering approach to domestic science and part of the building campaign to fulfill the original design plan. As a result, staff finds the structure may be eligible for individual designation under the designation criteria outlined in Section 423D. Staff recommends the commission make an application for the structure. The second structure, Carson College Cottage, was constructed in 1923. The National Register nomination again provides the following background. The Y Hut Bungalow was constructed in 1923 with initial funds given to the college by Mrs. Martha Campbell Carson, the COP, the campus dietitian. The building renamed Carson Y in 1952 originally served as the headquarters for the student YMCA and later was used for both recreational and education and each educational endeavors. In 1959, the building was substantially renovated, and the Harlan Fox edition was added to the alumni administration offices, named for Fox, an alumni of the class of 1935. Carson Cottage was later converted into the communications and adult learning center. While Carson Cottage was also identified in the 2002 National Register nomination as a contribu as contributing, historic photographs show that it has been substantially altered. Staff finds that the structure lacks integrity, historic integrity, that and would not be individually eligible under the designation criteria outlined again in Section 423 of the land management code, and recommend recommends that the commission not make an application to designate the second structure. Note uh two other structures, a green house and a gazebo were issued certificates to demolish without delay by staff as a result of being less than 50 years of age. Thank you. All right, thank you. Is there anyone here from uh is there anyone here to represent the applicant? All right, sorry to come forward evening. My name is Rob Kleindenstone, the vice president for finance from Hood College.

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