Historic Preservation Commission Hearing - October 24, 2024

The Frederick Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) held a public hearing on October 24, 2024, at 6:00 PM at City Hall, 101 North Court Street, to review multiple applications for demolitions, additions, signage, and a major new hotel project. The meeting included a hearing and a workshop segment. Commissioners Paul Fitzgerald, Eva Saller, and Ann Hart were present; Commissioner Robert Van Rens recused himself from case HPC24-702, resulting in a lack of quorum for that item. Staff presented reports, and applicants and agents provided testimony. Several minor applications were approved, and the hotel project underwent detailed discussion.

Consent Calendar

• No consent items were presented.

Public Comments & Testimony

• HPC24-637 (140 W. Church Street): The applicant, Jason West, owner of the property, spoke in favor of the replacement plan.
• HPC24-705 (18 Lord Nickens Street): Agent Rhonda McLaughlin presented the addition proposal and requested approval for a composite decking material (Trex) instead of wood.
• HPC24-717 (228 N. Market Street): Applicant Eric Delente, co-owner of the building, argued that the commercial flag was intended as a temporary solution and requested its approval, noting that the building is a new restaurant and that foot traffic has been low due to nearby fires.
• HPC24-758 (126 W. 3rd Street): Applicant Ted McCutcheon expressed support for the staff report.
• HPC24-764/769 (132 W. Church Street): The applicant team (agent Jeffery Jones) presented plans for demolition of a non-historic stoop and rehabilitation of a rear addition. They clarified that a window replacement noted in the drawings was no longer proposed.
• HPC24-759 (200 E. Patrick Street – Hotel): The design team (architect Peter Falat, landscape architect Craig Stoner, lighting designers) presented the Level II review. No public comment from non-applicants was recorded.

Discussion Items

• HPC24-637 (140 W. Church Street): The replacement plan for a two-story garage was approved unanimously (3-0) after staff noted updated materials and design consistency.
• HPC24-702 (127 E. 6th Street): Commissioner Van Rens recused himself, leaving only two commissioners, which prevented a quorum. The applicant requested a continuance to December 12, 2024; however, no action could be taken that night. The continuance will be voted on at the November 14, 2024 meeting.
• HPC24-705 (18 Lord Nickens Street): Staff recommended approval with conditions: update drawings to reflect consistent door/window styles, and submit porch flooring material (composite with tongue-and-groove profile, no faux wood grain) for staff approval. The commission approved (3-0) with those conditions.
• HPC24-717 (228 N. Market Street): The proposal included window signage and a flag with a commercial logo. Staff noted that flags with commercial messaging are considered temporary signage per city code and are not permitted under HPC guidelines. The commission approved the window signage but required the commercial flag to be removed or replaced with a non-commercial flag (3-0).
• HPC24-758 (126 W. 3rd Street): The proposal to infill a second-story rear porch was approved with a condition that all wooden elements be painted or stained with an opaque finish to obscure the wood grain (3-0).
• HPC24-764 (132 W. Church Street – Demolition): The commission first determined that the 19th-century building is a contributing resource to the historic district (3-0). The partial demolition of a non-historic stoop was then discussed in the workshop.
• Workshop – HPC24-764/769 (132 W. Church Street): The demolition of the non-historic stoop and rehabilitation of a 1972 rear addition were reviewed. Staff found no major concerns; the commission requested that the applicant update drawings (remove a window replacement note, clarify the stoop removal area, and show the final ground treatment). The resubmission deadline is November 4, 2024.
• Workshop – HPC24-759 (200 E. Patrick Street – Hotel): This Level II review covered materials, elevations, landscaping, lighting, and compliance with a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Maryland Historic Trust. Key discussion points:
  • Materials: The use of a perforated metal panel (green finish) on the south elevation was accepted. The combination of Aeris Craft Renaissance masonry unit (smooth precast stone) and vertical metal panels on the ballroom area was debated; the commission preferred a more rusticated stone to match the industrial character of Carroll Creek. The applicant agreed to study options.
  • Elevations: The addition of a second bay window on the Carroll Street facade was noted; some commissioners preferred the original design with more brick. The applicant will provide 3D views to better illustrate the stepped-back design.
  • Landscaping: The plaza and terrace designs were praised, but the placement of a Gibeon wall (gabion basket) using salvaged stone from the historic tannery was criticized as too small and hidden. The commission urged that the salvaged material be used prominently along the Carroll Creek frontage, possibly in a seat wall or as a public art feature. The applicant will explore options.
  • Lighting: The extensive lighting plan was discussed; commissioners requested a reduction in the number of uplights on the upper columns and a more staggered pattern for the marquee lights. The lighting team noted that the parking lot lighting levels will be revisited because earlier zero-cutoff requirements were misinterpreted.
  • MOA Compliance: The commission emphasized that the MOA mitigation (salvage and interpretation) must be meaningful and visible. They requested reserved areas for future public art/interpretation be shown on the plans.
• No vote was taken on the hotel project; it will return for further workshop discussion.

Key Outcomes

• Approved (3-0): HPC24-637 (140 W. Church Street – replacement plan as submitted).
• Approved (3-0): HPC24-705 (18 Lord Nickens Street – addition with conditions on drawings and flooring material).
• Approved (3-0): HPC24-717 (228 N. Market Street – window signage approved; commercial flag must be removed or replaced with non-commercial flag).
• Approved (3-0): HPC24-758 (126 W. 3rd Street – porch infill with condition on opaque finish).
• Finding of Contributing Resource (3-0): HPC24-764 (132 W. Church Street) – the building is a contributing resource.
• Continuance: HPC24-702 (127 E. 6th Street) will be considered for continuance to December 12, 2024, at the November 14, 2024 meeting.
• Next Steps for Hotel (HPC24-759): The applicant will submit revised drawings addressing: updated elevations showing the second bay, 3D views from pedestrian level, revised material and lighting details, a prominent location for salvaged stone, and reserved areas for MOA-required interpretation. The Level II review will continue at a future workshop.