Frederick Historic Preservation Commission Hearing/Workshop - April 24, 2025

The Frederick Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) held a joint hearing and workshop on April 24, 2025, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting covered two demolition applications, a post-installation approval for vents and cameras, a contributing resource determination, and a workshop item for a rehabilitation project. Commissioners voted to approve demolition of both a dwelling and garage at 127 E. Sixth Street, finding them an imminent danger to public safety, and approved the post-installation of vents and cameras at 191 W. All Saints Street. The meeting also included announcements, approval of minutes, certification of tax credits, and a workshop on the rehabilitation of the Elks building at 173 W. All Saints Street.

Announcements

• Staff announced the resignation of Commissioner Alyssa Fortune, effective this meeting, with appreciation for her service.
• April is Archaeology Month in Maryland; the HPC will host its annual "Digging Local" speaking event on April 28, 2025, at 7:30 PM at C. Burr Artz Library.
• Phase one of the City's Sites of Enslavement initiative is concluding; a final draft historic context report will be presented on May 12, 2025, at 6 PM at Visit Frederick.

Approval of Minutes

• The minutes from the April 10, 2025, hearing and workshop were approved unanimously.

HPC Business – Certification of 2024 Historic Preservation Property Tax Credits (Group II)

• Staff presented the second group of seven applications, involving an investment amount of over $110,000 and a recommended credit amount of $23,074.90.
• The commission certified the recommendations unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• No items were presented.

Public Comments & Testimony

• On HPC24-702 (127 E. Sixth Street demolition): Multiple neighbors and community members spoke in opposition to demolition, citing the property's historic significance, the lack of a detailed replacement plan, concerns about the structural engineer's report (questioning its thoroughness and the engineer's expertise in historic buildings), and the impact on the neighborhood's character. Some urged the HPC to defer the vote and seek a second opinion from an engineer specializing in historic structures. Frederick County Landmarks Foundation, through board president Jenny Russell, requested a deferral for additional analysis. One tenant still living in the building was noted; the owner stated they were actively working to relocate him.
• On HPC25-66 (191 W. All Saints Street): No public comments.
• On HPC25-67 (200 E. Patrick Street): No public comments.
• Citizen Comment (general): No public comments.

Discussion Items

Continuance – HPC24-702: 127 E. Sixth Street – Demolition of Dwelling and Garage

• Staff presented a structural engineer's report (by Elarraza Shabazz of Tate Shabazz & Associates) concluding that both the dwelling and garage are structurally deficient, with inadequate foundations, termite and moisture damage, and in danger of collapse. The report recommended immediate vacation and condemnation.
• The owner, Deanna Versol (DMR Enterprises), testified that after receiving the report, they immediately notified tenants and relocated two of three, with the third actively seeking new housing. The owner argued that the structures pose an imminent danger to public safety and that retention would cause undue economic hardship.
• Attorney Paul Rose argued that the structural engineer's report, which is undisputed expert evidence, demonstrates both structures are an imminent danger and that retention would cause economic hardship. He noted that the city's building code official and public works director inspected the property on April 7, 2025, and that their findings informed staff's recommendation for demolition.
• Commissioners questioned the structural engineer about the foundation, the distinction between the main house and rear additions, and the feasibility of partial demolition. The engineer stated that the main building's foundation is rubble and that the structural systems cannot be repaired; they would need replacement, which is not feasible due to the building's condition. Staff clarified that the garage, due to lack of foundation and deterioration, is a danger to public safety.
• The replacement plan (from a prior workshop) consists of eight townhouses along the alleyway, but that plan was not formally before the commission for approval at this hearing.

HPC25-66: 191 W. All Saints Street – Post-Installation Approval for Vents and Security Cameras

• Staff recommended approval of 16 vents (12 on the west elevation facing South Bend Street, 4 on the east) and three security cameras, with conditions that the two remaining cameras be installed in mortar joints. The vents were found to be in a highly visible location but no viable alternative existed; the cameras were acceptable.
• The applicant (Samuel Oztan, agent) explained that the vents were required by code, and the cameras are needed for security. The vents are colored to match the brick. The applicant agreed to install remaining cameras into mortar joints.
• Commissioners noted that the vents blended well and commended the applicant for restoring the building. The motion to approve with conditions passed unanimously.

HPC25-67: 200 E. Patrick Street – Partial Demolition and Determination of Contributing Resource

• Staff presented that the building (built 1904-1911 as a trolley terminal, later a newspaper headquarters) was previously found to be a contributing resource. The proposed partial demolition includes removal of an areaway, stoop, roof structure, and chimney. The replacement plan is addressed in a separate application (HPC25-68).
• The applicant (Clifford Bates, agent) agreed with staff's recommendation. The commission voted unanimously to find the building a contributing resource.

Key Outcomes

• HPC24-702 (127 E. Sixth Street): The commission voted unanimously to approve demolition of the garage, contingent on approval of a replacement plan. A second motion to approve demolition of the dwelling (Winchester House), also contingent on a replacement plan, passed unanimously. Both votes were based on the structure being an imminent danger to public safety and welfare.
• HPC25-66 (191 W. All Saints Street): Approved unanimously with conditions: the two remaining security cameras shall be installed into mortar joints.
• HPC25-67 (200 E. Patrick Street): The building was found to be a contributing resource to the historic district, unanimously.

Workshop Agenda – HPC25-72: 173 W. All Saints Street – Rehabilitation (Mountain City Elks #382)

• The applicant, Blaine Young (representing the Elks), presented a $160,000 facade restoration project including a new front door (paired six-panel wood door), intercom/card reader, handrail, cornice repairs, window reglazing, masonry repairs, gutters, and basement window covers. Staff provided feedback on the door design, product specifications, and the need for more detailed drawings and product literature. The next resubmission deadline is May 12, 2025, for the May 22 hearing. The project aims to be completed by August 24, 2025, for the Elks' annual parade.