Historic Preservation Commission Meeting & Workshop – May 23, 2024

On May 23, 2024, the Frederick City Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) convened at City Hall to conduct a hearing and workshop. The meeting included public testimony, discussion, and votes on several applications involving awnings, retaining walls, signs, demolitions, and new construction. The workshop addressed masonry repointing, a residential development at B&O Properties, a partial demolition at 124 S. Carroll Street, and a level 1 amendment at 1730 N. Market Street.

Consent Calendar

• HPC24-422 – 216 E. 3rd Street (Roof & Skylight): Approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• 12 W. 3rd Street Awning: Neighbors Jeffrey McAvoy and Mary Kearney spoke in support, stating the awning fits the guidelines and enhances the property.
• 124 S. Carroll Street Partial Demolition: Applicant Joanie Jenkins expressed safety concerns about a deteriorating train gear. A neighbor, Martha, also testified about the danger of falling debris.
• Other items: No oral public comments were offered for the majority of cases; written comments were noted for the B&O Properties workshop.

Discussion Items

Hearing Cases (Evening Session)

• HPC24-168 – 610 N. Market Street (Demolition of Brick Garden Wall): Staff determined the wall is a non-contributing resource. The commission unanimously found the wall non-contributing and then approved the demolition.
• HPC24-423 – 210 E. 2nd Street (Awning Installation): The commission approved installation of seven awnings and two shades on a non-contributing building, finding the design consistent with guidelines.
• HPC24-428 – 12 W. 3rd Street (Awning on Rear Porch): The commission denied the application (3-1) because the proposed awning spanned the porch rather than aligning with individual window openings, altering the character of the contributing historic structure. Staff suggested a garden structure as an alternative.
• HPC24-449 – 225 E. 5th Street (Retaining Wall Replacement): The commission approved an interlocking concrete block wall, deeming it an in-kind replacement that fits the working-class character of the neighborhood, despite guidelines favoring brick or stone for street-facing walls.
• HPC24-463 – 6 S. Bentz Street (Neon Sign): Approved with a condition that the applicant reduces the sign size by 1 square foot to comply with the Land Management Code’s 58 sq. ft. limit. The commission noted the historical appropriateness of neon for the 1934 building.
• HPC24-476 – 124 S. Carroll Street (Partial Demolition): The commission first determined that the entire building (grain elevator) is a contributing resource, and staff recommended it be considered of unusual importance. The proposal to remove historic train gear was deferred to the workshop for further documentation.

Workshop Items (Session After Recess)

• HPC24-008 – 54 E. Patrick Street (Repoint/Paint Masonry): Discussion focused on the use of a hard acrylic mortar that could damage historic brick. Staff recommended against painting, but the commission encouraged the applicant to submit product data for a permeable “lime-wash” paint. The issue of a previously painted middle section was debated. No vote; continued to June 13, 2024 hearing with a June 3 submission deadline.
• HPC24-343 – B&O Properties Lot 7 (Level 1 – Townhomes): The applicant presented revised plans with a shed roof alternative. Commissioners expressed concerns about excessive massing, height, and suburban roof complexity. They suggested simplifying stepbacks, using a single gable or hip roof, increasing brick on end caps, and adding a street-facing building to anchor the corner. No vote; applicant to revise and return for a future workshop.
• HPC24-476 – 124 S. Carroll Street (Workshop Continuation): Staff requested a structural engineer’s report to determine if the historic train gear can be repaired. The applicant stated it is unsafe, but the commission emphasized the need for documented evidence before considering removal. No vote; applicant to provide assessment and a clearer replacement plan (e.g., a replica).
• HPC24-477 – 1730 N. Market Street (Level 1 Amendment): The applicant proposed replacing previously approved four-story multifamily buildings with three-story townhomes and two large four-story buildings. Commissioners raised concerns about the length of the northern buildings (300 ft. vs. historic 200 ft.), visual dominance, and lack of architectural connection to the historic Colonial Revival campus. Suggestions included reintroducing a street-facing building, using hyphens to break massing, and incorporating more brick and historic window motifs. No vote; applicant to revise and return.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda: Approved (HPC24-422).
• 610 N. Market Street: Wall found non-contributing; demolition approved.
• 210 E. 2nd Street: Awning approved.
• 12 W. 3rd Street: Awning denied (3-1).
• 225 E. 5th Street: Retaining wall replacement approved.
• 6 S. Bentz Street: Neon sign approved with condition to reduce size by 1 sq. ft.
• 124 S. Carroll Street: Building determined a contributing resource unanimously; demolition application continued subject to structural evaluation and revised replacement plan.
• 54 E. Patrick Street: Continued to June 13, 2024; applicant must submit paint product information.
• B&O Properties Lot 7: Continued for redesign; commission provided specific guidance on massing and materials.
• 1730 N. Market Street: Continued; applicant to revise plan with street-front building, hyphens, and increased brick usage.

All decisions and guidance are recorded for the official record.