Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - March 28, 2024

The City of Frederick Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) held a public hearing and workshop on March 28, 2024, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting covered a demolition review, multiple partial demolition and rehabilitation applications, a consent item, and workshop discussions. Key decisions included approval of several demolitions and rehabilitations, often conditioned on replacement plans, and continuances for absent applicants.

Consent Calendar

• HPC24-246DR (607 W. Patrick Street): Demolition review for a circa 1917 dwelling. Staff found the property not individually eligible for historic designation. The Commission voted unanimously not to pursue a designation application.
• Administrative Approval Report: Staff reported that 27 applications were reviewed administratively.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Keith Pearcy (All Saints Street resident): During the workshop, Mr. Pearcy expressed concern about the potential sterilization of the historic district through demolition of industrial/warehouse buildings, and worry about noise from new construction creating a canyon effect along Carroll Creek. He urged preservation of the area's working-class character.

Discussion Items

• HPC24-117 (55 E. Patrick Street – Window Replacement): Initially on consent but pulled by Commissioner Hart. Applicant Kristy Erfurdt proposed replacing a cracked single-pane window with two panes and a central mullion for structural support. Hart argued the full plate glass was a defining element of the storefront. Commissioners Van Rens, Fitzgerald, and Saller supported the change as less intrusive. Vote: 3-1 in favor (Hart opposed). Approved.
• HPC24-055 (216 E. Patrick Street – Partial Demolition): Removal of two rear blocks and a roof opening. Staff found the structure contributing but the proposed demolition elements not character-defining. Approved unanimously, conditioned on HPC approval of the replacement plan (HPC24-056).
• HPC24-123 (170 W. All Saints Street – Demolition of Retaining Wall and Shed): Applicant Blaine Young (Mountain City Elks) described the site as part of a $1.3 million restoration of the historic African American Elks Lodge. Staff found the shed and concrete block wall non-contributing. The Commission unanimously found them non-contributing and then approved demolition, conditioned on the replacement plan (HPC24-170).
• HPC24-125 (173 W. All Saints Street – Rehabilitation): Removal of chain link fence, replacement of non-historic metal door, new window opening, and security camera. Approved unanimously with condition that the camera be installed through the mortar joint.
• HPC24-168 (610 N. Market Street – Demolition of Brick Garden Wall): Applicant not present. Continued to April 11, 2024.
• HPC24-170 (170 W. All Saints Street – Replacement Plan): New shed and retaining wall. Staff recommended approval with conditions (e.g., board-and-batten siding, corrected plans). The Commission engaged in a lengthy discussion about the appropriateness of manufactured stone veneer on the retaining wall, given its historic association with African American neighborhoods. Approved with conditions.

Workshop Items (No Votes Taken)

• HPC23-1260 (69 S. Market Street – Partial Demolition): Applicant Andrew Welker presented revised plans reducing the scope of demolition. Discussion focused on: (1) a vertical wall section on the south elevation – the Commission suggested treating it as rehabilitation rather than demolition; (2) roof replacement – the applicant may need to change the pitch for mechanical systems, but the Commission was open to a deviation if kept below the parapet; (3) rear porch removal – the Commission encouraged paying homage to the porch form in the new construction. The consensus was to workshop the Level 1 replacement plan before finalizing the demolition application.
• HPC24-071 (31 W. Patrick Street – Modify Entry): Applicant Steve Knott proposed replacing a revolving door with a pair of double doors and removing a single door to improve ADA access. The design is contemporary and matches existing storefront fenestration. The Commission requested a manufacturer's finish sample by the April 11 hearing. It will proceed to a hearing.
• HPC24-056 (216 E. Patrick Street – Rehabilitation & Addition): Extensive discussion on the addition and rooftop deck. The applicant (Will Randall, agent Brian Bradfield) presented details on roof insulation, new front entry doors (custom wood), granite step reuse, and a rooftop deck. The deck is highly visible but the Commission expressed conditional support, noting the need to consider deviation standards. The applicant will provide a rendering showing the proposed hotel context. The application will return for a hearing.

Key Outcomes

• Approval of Minutes: February 22, 2024, minutes approved unanimously.
• Consent Item Pulled: HPC24-117 removed from consent and approved 3-1.
• Continuances: HPC23-1262 (77 S. Market Street) and HPC24-168 (610 N. Market Street) continued to April 11, 2024, due to applicant absence.
• Demolition and Rehabilitation Approvals:
  • HPC24-246DR: Not to pursue designation (unanimous).
  • HPC24-055: Partial demolition approved (unanimous), conditioned on replacement plan.
  • HPC24-123: Non-contributing finding and demolition approved (unanimous), conditioned on replacement plan.
  • HPC24-125: Rehabilitation approved (unanimous) with condition.
  • HPC24-170: Replacement plan approved (unanimous) with multiple conditions, to be finalized at staff level.
• Workshop Directions: For HPC23-1260, the Commission advised refining the demolition scope and presenting a clearer Level 1 plan before the next hearing. For HPC24-071, additional product information is due April 11. For HPC24-056, the applicant will provide a contextual rendering; the rooftop deck will be evaluated against deviation standards at the hearing.