Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - October 23, 2025

The City of Frederick Historic Preservation Commission convened on October 23, 2025, to review demolition requests, approve the 2026 schedule, and vote on several Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) applications. The commission unanimously approved the 2026 meeting schedule and the minutes from October 9, 2025. Two requested demolition reviews were denied designation, while three COA applications regarding roofing, siding, and skylights were approved with either unanimous consent or specific conditions.

Consent Calendar

• The motion to approve the Consent Agenda containing the following cases carried six to zero: HPC 25-304, HPC 25-309, HPC 25-314 (West Patrick), HPC 25-314 (East Patrick), and HPC 25-314 (Clark).
• Staff noted that applications for 314 West Patrick Street, 43 East Patrick Street, and 104 Clark Street were approved under the Consent Agenda.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Commissioner Jerry DeYoung: Expressed significant concern regarding the broader political implications of the demolition review process for properties outside the historic district, specifically citing a neighboring property with recent demolition approval. Deputy Commissioner DeYoung stated he would "maintain that concern" and "vote no" in the interest of highlighting the issue to the next city council, though he acknowledged the property met individual architectural standards. He noted that while the current request was only for a roof addition, the lack of a historic district overlay creates a "higher bar" and potential complications for neighborhood preservation that he feels requires further discussion.
• Commissioner Ed McMahon: Expressed support for the specific proposal at 203 Lindbergh Avenue as an "attractive addition" but agreed with Commissioner DeYoung that the issue of neighborhood preservation and alternatives to historic district overlays should be referred to the new city council for broader discussion.

Discussion Items

Review of 203 Lindbergh Avenue (HPC 25-533 DR)

• Staff Position: Planning staff determined the circa 1944 dwelling lacks evidence of significance regarding events, cultural groups, or significant persons. Staff found the property retains historic integrity as a colonial revival example but does not possess the high level of architectural significance required for designation and recommended not pursuing a historic preservation overlay application.
• Commissioner Jerry DeYoung: Opposed the motion to not seek designation, citing the proximity to a recently approved demolition and the need to address neighborhood preservation concerns more broadly. Commissioner DeYoung voted "No," maintaining that the process requires more than an individual property assessment.
• Commissioner Ed McMahon: Supported the motion to seek no designation, characterizing the request as a minor addition rather than a total demolition. Commissioner McMahon suggested the issue of conservation districts and neighborhood character be taken up by the new city council.
• Commissioner Eva Sower: Supported the motion, noting the property's 61-year age and excellent colonial revival architecture, but agreed it failed to meet the specific requirements for a historic property overlay.

Ribbed Metal Cricket at 200 North Market Street (HPC 25-289)

• Staff Position: Recommended an approval as a deviation from guidelines. Staff noted that while ribbed metal panels are generally not approved, the proposed cricket is hidden from the public right-of-way and matches the existing roof materials. The work is necessary to access masonry repairs on the adjacent building (5E 2nd Street).
• Applicant (Peter Bramman): Explained the installation of a ribbed metal cricket is required to prevent water from pouring back onto the masonry wall at 5E 2nd Street during repairs. The applicant confirmed the work is located at the back of the property and is not visible from the street.
• Commissioner Positions: All commissioners supported the deviation, noting the ribbed roof is similar to the existing roof, hidden from public view, and will not compromise the streetscape integrity.

Siding Replacement at 64 East South Street (HPC 25-312)

• Staff Position: Recommended approval for the replacement of deteriorated German lap siding on a non-historic addition (circa 1997) with "Boral True Exterior" polyameric fly ash siding. Staff noted the product has a traditional cove Dutch profile and smooth finish, which is compatible with the guidelines for non-historic additions.
• Applicant: Stated that the existing wood siding deteriorated rapidly (within seven years) and the new composite material is durable, lighter, and easier to work with than traditional Hardie plank cement board. The applicant noted the material mimics traditional wood siding without the maintenance issues.
• Commissioner Positions: All commissioners expressed support, describing the Boral product as superior to cement board alternatives and an appropriate substitute for the original wood siding.

Skylight Installation at 42 East South Street (HPC 25-315)

• Staff Position: Recommended approval with a condition. Staff noted that while the location is appropriate, the guidelines typically do not support dome skylights (preferring minimum visual impact). Staff requested that product literature for a low-profile, non-domed skylight be submitted for review.
• Applicant (PJ Nicholson): Submitted that the proposed dome skylight is a "low-profile" unit that will not be visible from the street or ground. The applicant argued that a flat glass skylight would be significantly heavier (approx. 20-25 lbs more) and would not open fully to allow roof access, which was a requirement for the project.
• Commissioner Positions: The commission debated the guidelines versus the practical need for roof access. While one commissioner initially expressed opposition based on guidelines, the consensus was that the low-profile dome is acceptable given its invisibility and the functional necessity of the opening mechanism. All commissioners supported the deviation to allow the domed skylight.

Key Outcomes

• Approval: The 2026 Historic Preservation Commission schedule was approved (6-0) with a clarification that the application deadline for the January 8, 2026, hearing is December 18, 2025.
• Demolition Reviews: For HPC 25-529DR (321 Madison St) and HPC 25-533DR (203 Lindbergh Ave), the Commission voted not to pursue historic designation. The vote for 203 Lindbergh Avenue was 5-1, with Commissioner Kelly voting against the motion.
• Certificate of Appropriateness:
  • HPC 25-289 (200 North Market St): Approved (6-0) to install a ribbed metal cricket.
  • HPC 25-312 (64 East South St): Approved (6-0) to replace siding with Boral True Exterior product.
  • HPC 25-315 (42 East South St): Approved (6-0) with a condition to submit non-domed product literature for future reference, though the domed application is approved as submitted.
• Continuance: HPC 25-314 (103 East 7th Street) was continued to the November 13, 2025, meeting (6-0) due to the applicant's absence.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned without objection.