Frederick Historic Preservation Commission Hearing and Workshop – March 26, 2026

The Frederick Historic Preservation Commission met on March 26, 2026, for a combined hearing and workshop. The commission approved two hearing cases concerning new construction and a tower restoration, received public comments on a workshop item, and reviewed several workshop proposals with direction for further refinements.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the March 12, 2026 hearing and workshop were approved with corrections (spelling of “Ann Hart” and window size on HPC 26‑7). Motion carried 7‑0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• David Hunter (109 East 7th Street): Opposed the proposed addition at 11 East 7th Street (HPC 25‑369), citing concerns that the stoop would preclude a driveway, access from Herm Alley lacked a right‑of‑way, the single‑room‑occupancy design does not meet human needs, the project resembles a group home or Airbnb, and the green space calculation and landscaping plan are inadequate. He also noted that condemned properties and expired time limits affect the neighborhood.
• Ryan Weinstein (113 East 7th Street): Also opposed the same project, arguing that the addition remains too large in size and scale compared to the neighborhood fabric, that the stated green‑space percentage is incorrect and does not account for necessary walkways, and that the landscaping plan (only holly bushes) is insufficient.

Discussion Items

HPC 26‑7: 248 South Carroll Street (Hearing)

• Proposal: New two‑and‑a‑half story dwelling with detached garage, sited similarly to neighboring properties.
• Staff Report: Updated drawings reflect larger south‑elevation windows and relocation of a garage window. Staff found the massing, height, and scale compatible with the district. Materials requiring clarification: fiberglass doors (rear/garage), composite railing with concealed fasteners, and full‑divided‑light windows as defined by Andersen 100 series. Staff recommended approval conditioned on submission of product literature and updated elevation drawings.
• Discussion: Commissioners debated whether exposed fasteners on composite railing are appropriate; consensus favored concealed hardware. The window “full divided light” designation was clarified to match Andersen’s product definition. The applicant expressed openness to alternative railing systems (e.g., RDI Transform). No public comment on this case.
• Key Outcomes: Motion to approve with conditions – (1) product literature for fiberglass rear and garage doors, (2) updated drawings clarifying materials on each elevation, (3) railing with concealed fasteners, (4) windows as full divided light per Andersen 100 series, all subject to staff review. Vote: 7‑0.

HPC 26‑16: 113 East 7th Street (Hearing)

• Proposal: Remove existing fiberglass windows from the square tower of a Queen Anne dwelling and reinstate siding, wood windows, and architectural features to restore the historic appearance.
• Staff Report: Recommended approval with conditions that half‑timbers be non‑pressure‑treated wood (mahogany or cedar) and that the final tower design replicate the 2021 National Register photograph, including double‑hung windows at the second floor on the south and east elevations.
• Discussion: The applicant (Ryan Weinstein) preferred keeping the existing fixed windows (original lower sashes) but agreed to install double‑hung windows as shown in the historic photograph. Commissioners supported the restoration approach.
• Key Outcomes: Motion to approve with conditions – (1) half‑timbers of mahogany or cedar (non‑pressure‑treated), (2) final tower design replicates the 2021 National Register photograph, with double‑hung windows on the second floor east and south elevations. Vote: 7‑0.

HPC 25‑369: 11 East 7th Street (Workshop – Fourth Review)

• Proposal: Addition to an existing two‑family dwelling. The applicant presented revisions: length reduced ~9 ft, width reduced 3 ft, roof pitch lowered from 7:12 to 6:12, entry moved to west elevation, building shifted directly behind the existing structure.
• Staff & Commission Discussion: Many commissioners acknowledged the improvements but expressed mixed opinions on final scale. Some felt the addition is still too large relative to neighboring buildings; others noted it complies with guideline limits (not wider, taller, or longer than the existing building). Discussion also covered parking (seven spaces plus one in front), green space (claimed 50%, but neighbor disputed), need for landscaping enhancement, lighting (preference for path lighting rather than building‑mounted lights), and exterior color (applicant agreed to a dark gray). The applicant stressed adherence to guidelines and noted community support from the county and pending city support.
• Key Outcomes: No vote (workshop). The applicant was directed to provide a complete resubmission (deadline March 30 for April 9 hearing or April 13 for April 23 hearing) addressing: product literature for all materials, clarification of trim material, fencing, lighting details (path lights recommended), a landscape plan showing existing trees and new plantings, and a color rendering (dark gray or similar). Further refinement of scale was left open.

HPC 25‑382: 331 North Market Street (Workshop)

• Proposal: Rehabilitate a 1959 non‑contributing commercial building (former Carmack Day supermarket) with new TPO and asphalt shingle roofing, gutters, rooftop HVAC units, composite wood trim, gooseneck lighting, masonry repairs and painting, and window repairs with blackout film.
• Staff Report: Noted missing product literature and conflicting scope‑of‑work details. Windows: blackout film proposed for energy efficiency and privacy; staff noted reflective or tinted film is not permitted, and product literature is needed. New doorway on east elevation requires clarification. Masonry painting with Sherwin‑Williams “Shiitake” color is acceptable for non‑historic masonry.
• Discussion: Commissioners questioned the reflectivity of the film; applicant agreed to consider patterned opaque film or curtains. The new doorway (single or double) will be detailed in resubmission. Applicant confirmed composite trim, gooseneck lights for future signage lighting, and that window repairs (trim repaint, sill replacement) are minor. No concerns with roof or hatch.
• Key Outcomes: No vote (workshop). Applicant to resubmit (deadline March 30 for April 9 hearing) with: product literature for all materials (windows, doors, lighting, vents), clarified scope of work, and removal of signage from drawings if not proposed. Landscaping and parking details were not discussed in depth.

HPC 26‑30: 151 North Market Street (Workshop)

• Proposal: Remove the wood‑shingle pent roof and restore the fire‑damaged, non‑historic first‑story exterior to a design consistent with historic photographs of the building.
• Staff Report: Application lacked product literature, current photographs, and a detailed scope of work. Drawings indicate recessed entries on Market Street, but the north elevation (Second Street) bay window is not projected as in historic photos. Bulkhead material, cornice, door styles, and lighting/ventilation details are undefined.
• Discussion: Commissioners strongly encouraged restoring the historic cornice across the Market Street facade. Bulkhead material advice varied: wood panels (traditional), real stone or brick veneer, or high‑density plywood (e.g., HDO); most discouraged cement‑board siding. Storefront doors should be full‑light wood with wide stiles and rails, consistent with historic photos. Transom windows should be clear glass. Exhaust vents on the rear are acceptable but should be color‑matched and located inconspicuously.
• Key Outcomes: No vote (workshop). Applicant to resubmit for the April 23 hearing (deadline April 13) with: complete product literature, full photographic documentation, cornice design, defined bulkhead material, door and window details, lighting plan (if any), and clarification of infill and new rear openings.

Key Outcomes

• Approvals: HPC 26‑7 (248 South Carroll St) and HPC 26‑16 (113 East 7th St) approved with conditions, both 7‑0.
• Workshop Items: Applicants for HPC 25‑369, HPC 25‑382, and HPC 26‑30 were directed to refine their proposals and resubmit with complete documentation for future hearings.
• Upcoming Deadlines: April 1, 2026 – deadline for historic preservation tax credit applications. April 9, 2026 – hearing date for resubmissions filed by March 30. April 23, 2026 – hearing date for resubmissions filed by April 13.
• Other Business: The city’s April 13 “Digging Local” event was announced (archaeology month). The commission discussed potential updates to the staff‑level review authority and reminded the public of time limits for citizen comments.