OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Frederick HPC Meeting Summary - January 22, 2026

Historic Preservation Commission — Thursday, January 22, 2026
BodyFrederick, Maryland
SessionHistoric Preservation Commission
DateThursday, January 22, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:21:22

Transcript — Verbatim
2:16

Good evening.

2:18

Welcome to the City of Frederick Historic Preservation Commission hearing and workshop.

2:23

Today's date is January twenty-second, two thousand twenty-six.

2:29

Anybody would wish to have a printed copy of tonight's agenda.

2:34

There's copies over on the side table by the door.

2:37

There's also a sign-up sheet, while not mandatory, it's helpful if we have your name just so we get it right for the record.

2:45

Um also some listening devices up at the end of the day as here.

2:51

If anybody has trouble hearing tonight, uh the devices can help with that.

2:59

Just uh see Jennifer at the end of the day as here.

3:06

The technical qualifications of the commission and staff are on file with the city of Frederick and are made a part of each and every case before the commission.

3:13

The Frederick City Historic Preservation Commission uses guidelines adopted by the mayor and city council and secretary of the interior standards for rehabilitation published by the U.S.

3:23

Department of the Interior and National Park Service.

3:26

And these guidelines are made a part of each and every case.

3:29

All cases were duly advertised in the Frederick News Post in accordance with section 301 of the land management code.

3:38

For introductions, I'm Commissioner Paul Fitzgerald serving here tonight with Commissioners Ann Hart, Eva Sower, Carol D.

3:45

Carroll Kelly, and Jerry DeYoung.

4:03

And filling in tonight is administratively Jennifer DeGree.

4:08

Thank you.

5:00

It is the purpose of the historic preservation commission to safeguard the historical and cultural heritage of the city of Frederick by preserving sites, structures, or districts that reflect elements of cultural, social, economic, political, archaeological, or architectural history, to stabilize and improve property values of such sites, structures, or districts, to foster civic beauty, to strengthen the local economy, and to promote the preservation and appreciation of such sites, structures, and districts for the education and welfare of the residents of the city of Frederick.

5:18

In order to be eligible to vote on an application, a commissioner must first have made the required site visit and attended any and all meetings at which such an application was discussed.

5:28

In the event a commissioner is absent from any such meeting, Commissioner may satisfy the attendance requirement by reviewing a record of that meeting.

5:37

It is presumed that if the commissioner makes no statement at this time, they have done so and are prepared to vote on the agenda this evening.

5:45

That being said, are there any commissioners with statements of eligibility I do have one statement?

5:53

I am familiar with HPC 25-238 at 111 East 7th Street, and also HPC 25-369, also at 111 East 7th Street.

6:15

Um, not this one.

6:16

And so there is no conflict of interest.

6:22

Stating there is no conflict of interest.

6:25

Correct.

6:25

Okay, thank you.

6:54

Individuals will be allotted three minutes to speak.

6:57

If you are here representing an organization or community group, please identify as such, and you may speak on behalf of the members of that group, and you will be invited 10 minutes to speak.

7:08

We ask that if you identify with a particular group, and that you let the designated representative speak for the entire group and not each member speaks separately.

7:18

There is a timer uh up on the end of the day to keep track of the time.

7:23

Again, three minutes for individuals and 10 minutes for a recognized organization or or group.

7:32

So moving into the agenda, are there any uh announcements tonight?

7:38

Um announcements other than it is um having trouble hearing.

7:42

Nope, my apologies.

7:43

No announcements other than to remind the public that it is historic preservation tax credit season.

7:50

If you finished work on your property in the historic district uh last year, please consider applying to the city's 25% historic tax credit program.

8:03

Um you can please uh contact city staff if you have any questions, and we'll be glad to send you information on the application and review process.

8:11

Thank you.

8:16

I will add that the tax credit uh application for the city for any work done is uh pretty straightforward and well worth the effort.

8:28

Moving on to approval of the minutes.

8:55

I move that we approve the hearing and workshop minutes from January 8, 2026.

9:04

I second motion made and seconded to approve the hearing and workshop minutes for January 8th.

9:14

All in favor, raise your hand.

9:18

Motion carries what is it five five to zero.

9:22

Thank you.

9:30

First case under HPC business, HPC 26-3DR at 524 Wilson Place request for a demolition review.

9:40

Mr.

9:40

Masser.

9:43

Thank you.

9:44

I'd like to submit the entire memo into the record.

9:47

A request for demolition review has been submitted per section 423A of the Lane Management Code per section 5-15B of sit of the city code for dwelling at 524 Wilson Place.

10:00

Planning staff has determined that the structure is in whole or in part 50 years old or older.

10:05

Based on this evaluation, the historic preservation commission is charged with determining that if the property is potentially eligible for individual historic designation.

10:14

A property is eligible for designation for a historic preservation overlay if it is at least 50 years old, retains historic integrity, and meets at least one of the following criteria.

10:24

The standards for designation designation are outlined in full detail in the memo.

10:31

The dwelling at 524 Wilson Place was constructed circa 1940.

10:36

Deed records suggest that the home was built for Claude C and Rispa M.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Historic Preservation█████████████████████████████████████████████68%
Zoning And Land Use█████████13%
Procedural██████9%
Arts And Culture████6%
Affordable Housing█2%
Engineering And Infrastructure█1%
Community Engagement█1%
Summary of Proceedings

City of Frederick Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - January 22, 2026

The City of Frederick Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) convened a combined hearing and workshop on January 22, 2026, to review multiple historic preservation applications, approve previous minutes, and address public testimony regarding property development and preservation. The meeting included discussions on demolition review requests, partial demolition approvals conditioned on replacement plans, and design modifications for adaptive reuse projects in the historic district.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved the hearing and workshop minutes from January 8, 2026, unanimously (5-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • David Hunter (Neighbor, 109 East 7th Street): Expressed opposition to the density of the proposed seven single-room occupancy units at 111 East 7th Street, deeming them inappropriate for the historic district and neighborhood density, and stated a preference to leave the property in its current condition.
  • John Temple (Neighbor, 7th Street): Stated concern regarding non-HPC approved improvements, specifically an asphalt driveway installed in 2025 without proper procedures. Asked the commission to hold the applicant responsible for approving improvements that disregard city processes.
  • Joanne Coates Hunter (Neighbor, 109 East 7th Street): Expressed support for the demolition of the unsafe rear garage but opposed the construction of a large replacement addition that she characterized as an "apartment building" or "rooming house." She voiced concern that the project would function as an Airbnb, contributing to traffic issues and a lack of affordable housing for middle-class residents in Frederick.
  • Louise Kennelly (Executive Director, Frederick Arts Council): Represented the arts community and requested that the demolition of the building at 437 North Market Street be paused. She argued the building serves as a vital, affordable space for artists and possesses a "living legacy" of cultural significance that warrants further review before demolition decisions are finalized.
  • Maher Kilajan (Owner/Developer): Responded to the arts council's request, stating a position against postponing the decision. He characterized the building as having major structural deficiencies (falling walls, exposed electrical) and clarified that tenants were informed the lease would be temporary (18-24 months), arguing that the demolition and redevelopment are necessary due to the building's condition.

Discussion Items

HPC 26-3DR: 524 Wilson Place (Demolition Review)

  • Staff Position: Determined the circa 1940 dwelling is not individually eligible for historic designation due to a lack of high architectural significance and no association with significant events or persons. The property is within the Villa Estates Survey District but lacks individual eligibility.
  • Commission Deliberation: Commissioners agreed with the staff's finding that the property lacks significance for individual designation.

HPC 25-238: 111 East 7th Street (Garage & Staircase Demolition)

  • Project Description: Application seeks full demolition of a rear one-story garage (altered over time, lacking integrity) and a wooden staircase (built c. 2003). The main dwelling is a contributing Victorian/Colonial Revival resource.
  • Commission Deliberation: The commission debated the need for a replacement plan condition for the garage. One commissioner argued that a replacement plan is not required for non-contributing structures if the structural report justifies demolition, while another noted the common practice of tying demolition to replacement plans. The applicant and staff acknowledged that any alterations to the main contributing building or future additions would require a separate plan review.
  • Outcome: The commission found the garage to be non-contributing and the main building to be contributing.

HPC 25-284: 437 North Market Street (Partial Demolition)

  • Project Description: Request to remove large sections of rear wall and approximately 50% of the historic roof structure to accommodate a third-floor addition. The project includes adaptive reuse of the site for affordable senior housing.
  • Commission Deliberation: Staff recommended approval conditioned on the final HPC approval of a replacement plan to ensure design compatibility and minimize impact on the historic fabric. Concerns were raised by public speakers and commissioners regarding the increase in building height and the precedent it might set for elevating structures in the district. The staff clarified that the current demolition is tied to a specific height reduction strategy and that the commission retains the authority to reject the final height or design via the replacement plan review.
  • Outcome: The commission approved the partial demolition, emphasizing that the roof's removal is contingent on the replacement plan to ensure the addition remains visually compatible and minimizes impact on the historic district.

HPC 25-346: 100 South Market Street (ADA & Rehabilitation)

  • Project Description: Installation of ADA ramps, railing, walkways, HVAC screening, awnings, and a courtyard deck for a supportive housing facility (Soup Kitchen/BO Railroad building).
  • Commission Deliberation: Staff recommended approval with conditions for recessed brick, fence height, and material substitutions (wood trash enclosure, canvas awning, simple metal railing without lights). The applicant requested deviations to use metal for the awning, door, trash enclosure, and lighting-integrated railing to maintain consistency. Commissioners debated the deviations, with support given for the metal railing with lighting (citing aesthetics and lower invasiveness) and the metal enclosure (durability for institutional use), while remaining supportive of the wooden courtyard deck material.
  • Outcome: The commission approved the application, granting deviations for the metal railing with lighting, metal awning, metal door, and metal trash enclosure, while conditioning the approval on product literature for the timber-tech decking finish.

HPC 25-378: 20 South Carroll Street (Salvage & Interpretation)

  • Project Description: Incorporation of salvaged stone from the Byerley Tannery building into a new terrace wall along Carroll Creek Park, including interpretive signage and lighting, as required by a Memorandum of Agreement.
  • Commission Deliberation: Commissioners discussed the aesthetic purpose of the lighting (to highlight stone texture) and the significance of the tanning heritage. One commissioner expressed disappointment that the agreement resulted in salvage stone and signage rather than a more grand memorial, noting the lack of a comparable statue for the industrial history compared to the statue of a revitalization figure nearby.
  • Outcome: The commission approved the salvage and interpretation plan, noting it meets MOA requirements.

HPC 25-399: 226 East 6th Street (Rear Awning)

  • Project Description: Installation of a retractable awning on the rear facade of a non-contributing residence (built c. 2021).
  • Commission Deliberation: Staff noted the design did not strictly correspond to existing openings but recommended a deviation be allowed because the resource is non-contributing and the awning will be partially visible only from the rear alley, ensuring no compromise to streetscape integrity.
  • Outcome: The commission approved the application, finding it compatible with the district's character.

Key Outcomes

  • HPC 25-238 (111 East 7th St):
    • Found the rear garage to be a non-contributing resource (Motion: 5-0).
    • Found the main residential building to be a contributing resource (Motion: 5-0).
    • Approved the demolition of the rear garage as a non-contributing resource (Motion: 5-0).
  • HPC 25-284 (437 North Market St): Approved the partial demolition application, conditioned upon HPC approval of a replacement plan and issuance of associated permits (Motion: 5-0).
  • HPC 25-346 (100 South Market St): Approved the application with conditions for recessed brick and fence height, and granted deviations for metal railing with lighting, metal awning, metal door, and metal trash enclosure (Motion: 5-0).
  • HPC 25-378 (20 South Carroll St): Approved the architectural salvage and interpretive signage plan (Motion: 5-0).
  • HPC 25-399 (226 East 6th St): Approved the retractable awning application with a deviation to span the rear facade despite not corresponding to individual openings (Motion: 5-0).
  • HPC 26-3DR (524 Wilson Pl): Determined the property is not individually eligible for historic designation (Motion: 5-0).
  • Meeting Adjournment: The hearing adjourned to reconvene for the workshop portion regarding HPC 25-283 (437 North Market St) at 6:15 PM, focusing on material and rehabilitation details.

Discrepancy Note: The transcript lists the agenda item for the salvage project as "HBC 25-346" in one instance and "HPC 25-378" in the motion, while the address 20 South Carroll Street is the correct location for the Byerley Tannery salvage project. The motion correctly identifies the project number as HPC 25-378.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. Welcome to the City of Frederick Historic Preservation Commission hearing and workshop. Today's date is January twenty-second, two thousand twenty-six. Anybody would wish to have a printed copy of tonight's agenda. There's copies over on the side table by the door. There's also a sign-up sheet, while not mandatory, it's helpful if we have your name just so we get it right for the record. Um also some listening devices up at the end of the day as here. If anybody has trouble hearing tonight, uh the devices can help with that. Just uh see Jennifer at the end of the day as here. The technical qualifications of the commission and staff are on file with the city of Frederick and are made a part of each and every case before the commission. The Frederick City Historic Preservation Commission uses guidelines adopted by the mayor and city council and secretary of the interior standards for rehabilitation published by the U.S. Department of the Interior and National Park Service. And these guidelines are made a part of each and every case. All cases were duly advertised in the Frederick News Post in accordance with section 301 of the land management code. For introductions, I'm Commissioner Paul Fitzgerald serving here tonight with Commissioners Ann Hart, Eva Sower, Carol D. Carroll Kelly, and Jerry DeYoung. And filling in tonight is administratively Jennifer DeGree. Thank you. It is the purpose of the historic preservation commission to safeguard the historical and cultural heritage of the city of Frederick by preserving sites, structures, or districts that reflect elements of cultural, social, economic, political, archaeological, or architectural history, to stabilize and improve property values of such sites, structures, or districts, to foster civic beauty, to strengthen the local economy, and to promote the preservation and appreciation of such sites, structures, and districts for the education and welfare of the residents of the city of Frederick. In order to be eligible to vote on an application, a commissioner must first have made the required site visit and attended any and all meetings at which such an application was discussed. In the event a commissioner is absent from any such meeting, Commissioner may satisfy the attendance requirement by reviewing a record of that meeting. It is presumed that if the commissioner makes no statement at this time, they have done so and are prepared to vote on the agenda this evening. That being said, are there any commissioners with statements of eligibility I do have one statement? I am familiar with HPC 25-238 at 111 East 7th Street, and also HPC 25-369, also at 111 East 7th Street. Um, not this one. And so there is no conflict of interest. Stating there is no conflict of interest. Correct. Okay, thank you. Individuals will be allotted three minutes to speak. If you are here representing an organization or community group, please identify as such, and you may speak on behalf of the members of that group, and you will be invited 10 minutes to speak. We ask that if you identify with a particular group, and that you let the designated representative speak for the entire group and not each member speaks separately. There is a timer uh up on the end of the day to keep track of the time. Again, three minutes for individuals and 10 minutes for a recognized organization or or group. So moving into the agenda, are there any uh announcements tonight? Um announcements other than it is um having trouble hearing. Nope, my apologies. No announcements other than to remind the public that it is historic preservation tax credit season. If you finished work on your property in the historic district uh last year, please consider applying to the city's 25% historic tax credit program. Um you can please uh contact city staff if you have any questions, and we'll be glad to send you information on the application and review process. Thank you. I will add that the tax credit uh application for the city for any work done is uh pretty straightforward and well worth the effort. Moving on to approval of the minutes. I move that we approve the hearing and workshop minutes from January 8, 2026. I second motion made and seconded to approve the hearing and workshop minutes for January 8th. All in favor, raise your hand. Motion carries what is it five five to zero. Thank you. First case under HPC business, HPC 26-3DR at 524 Wilson Place request for a demolition review. Mr.

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