2009 Endangered Maryland Sites Designation
The third annual "Endangered Maryland" list of threatened historic properties in Maryland is released today in the March/April edition of Maryland Life. The previous "Endangered Maryland" lists brought attention to some of the State's most threatened historical sites. The overwhelmingly positive response to these lists demonstrates the need for such a program in Maryland.
As with prior years, a statewide panel created the list by evaluating nominated properties, and assessing the level of threat, historic and architectural significance, and community commitment. The program's purpose is to generate public awareness of Maryland's significant threatened properties, generate possible solutions and serve as a call for action.
"Endangered Maryland" is modeled after the nationwide list created each year by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as well as other successful statewide endangered lists around the country. Statewide lists have proved to be highly effective tools for historic preservation.
To set up interview with representatives for individual sites, please contact Jessica Feldt at 410-685-2886 x302 or jfeldt@preservationmaryland.org.
Click here for an online version of the 2009 Endangered Maryland Article. (Courtesy of Maryland Life magazine.)
The 2009 Endangered Maryland Sites are:
- Brumbaugh-Kendle-Grove Farmstead: Airport expansion threatens historic site. (Washington County)
The FAA and the Washington County Board of Commissioners are working to hammer out a plan to preserve the Italianate-style farmhouse, washhouse, family cemetery, barn, and several other outbuildings. The site has been determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The property is contiguous to a runway for the Hagerstown Regional Airport and a request for the demolition permit has been filed by the Airport and the FAA.
- Falkland Apartments: A vital part of New Deal history (Montgomery County)
The Falkland Apartments are an example of New Deal public housing and were the first apartments in Maryland to be funded under the New Deal's Federal Housing Administration. The owner is proposing a demolition to a significant portion of the complex to construct high-rise rental units. The County Planning Board voted last summer to leave the section proposed for demolition out of any historic designation, leaving it open for development.
- Friendship Hall: Historic mansion faces encroaching development (Dorchester County)
Friendship Hall was builtin the late-18th Century and largely retains its original appearance. It sits on over 15 acres of land including a family cemetery. The Maryland Historical Trust holds and easement on the mansion and six acres surrounding the property. The remaining land has been subdivided for redevelopment, disrupting the viewshed and historic driveway.
- Handsell: Site tells the story of the evolution of land use (Wicomico County)
Thought to be an early 1800s rebuild of a larger two-story structure, the structures was used as an Overseer's residence in the early to mide-1800s. The house has been boarded up for nearly 60 years and is in serious decline. The Nanticoke Historic Preservation Alliance is working to raise funds to restores the house and open it for public events.
- High Winds Gun Club: Last remaining testament to a local pastime (Worcester County)
The single story hunting lodge is located on a barrier island in the Assateague Island National Seashore. It is the only known single story "gunning shanty" in Maryland. The side has been under lease from the federal government since 1968 and the formation of the National Park. The site faces demolition by neglect and is currently vacant.
- Linwood: A new threat to a historic landscape (Carroll County)
The village of Linwood was nominated along with adjoining McKinstry's Mill and Priestland Valley. Together they make up a carefully preserved look at rural life in the 19th century. There is a proposal to build an elevated stone conveyor system that will run for 4.5 miles and would require the amendment of several Rural Legacy easements.
- Mechanic Theatre: Preserving a rare architectural style (Baltimore City)
The Mechanic Theatre is a representative structure of "brutalism" architecture and was originally build as part of an effort to revitalize and reenergize downtown Baltimore. Plans are underway to create a mixed-use complex utilizing the buildings existing shell, but the Baltimore Planning Commission has not granted the Theatre landmark status putting its long-term integrity in question.
- Mount Nebo AME Church: Preserving the former center of an African-American community (Prince George's County)
The Mount Nebo AME Church is the oldest such site in Price George's County. The 1925 structure had a small extension added in 1958. A graveyard is also present on the grounds. The congregation was primarily tobacco farmers and sharecroppers. Once the congregation moved to a larger building, the church fell into a state of disuse and is facing many structural issues including a falling roof and water damage.
- St. Patrick's Catholic Church: A testament to a lost community (Cecil County)
Built on a location that was, at the time, a site of major commercial route, St. Patrick's Catholic Church served a congregation of Irish immigrants and is the second oldest Catholic worship site on the Delmarva. Once the Conowingo Dam was built in 1927 the town supporting the church was gone and the church fell into decline. The building is in need of stabilization and restoration.
- Upton Mansion: Protecting a historic mantion from the elements and vandals (Baltimore City)
Upton Mansion is significant both for its history and its tenants. It has been a private residence to a prominent attorney, the headquarters of Maryland's oldest radio station and the home of the Baltimore Institute of Musical Arts. The City of Baltimore has owned the property since 1955. The Department of Education last used the property, but it has been vacant since 2006 and facing vandalism and neglect. The building has been broken into and has crucial elements stolen on more than one occasion.
Maryland Life, published by Great State Publishing, LLC, celebrates life and living across all of Maryland, through full-color photo essays, in-depth stories, travel, dining, home and garden, décor and more. For more information on each site visit www.MarylandLife.com.
2008 Endangered Maryland Sites
2007 Endangered Maryland Sites |
