As part of a continuous role in the flood recovery efforts in historic Ellicott City, Preservation Maryland and Historic Ellicott City, Inc. partnered in creating the Historic Ellicott City Revitalization Grant Program in 2017. One of those funded bricks-and-mortar projects has been completed at the offices of the Patapsco Heritage Greenway along Tonge Row.
In 2017, Historic Ellicott City, Inc and Preservation Maryland awarded $50,000 in grants to organizations in the Ellicott City Historic District through the Historic Ellicott City Revitalization Grant Program. Funding for the grant program was provided by Historic Ellicott City, Inc. through fundraising associated with their annual Decorator Show House event. Additional funding support came from the generous donors to Preservation Maryland’s Ellicott City Flood Recovery Fund.
Along the distinct streetscape of Tonge Row on Old Columbia Pike are the offices of Patapsco Heritage Greenway one of Maryland’s 13 certified State Heritage Areas that provides essential funding and support to Maryland’s heritage and cultural tourism economy. The organization received funding to repairs and restore the stone facade of their properties. Staff at the Greenway documented the process in detail on their blog. Using historic images as a guide and following the regulations and guidelines set forth by the Howard County Historic Preservation Commission, the project focused on:
- restoring the building’s wood window frames and sash and returning their functionality,
- adjusting and improving water drainage from the building’s facade and foundation,
- and removing non-historic and inappropriate doors and shutters.
Patapsco Heritage Greenway completed the work with a high-level of research and craftsmanship, even as Ellicott City experienced another damaging flood in May 2018.
NOTE: This grant program was renewed and is now accepting applications through November 2, 2018. For more information, please contact Jessica Feldt, Preservation Initiatives Manager, Preservation Maryland at 410-685-2886, x302.
PAST Grant Recipients
Recipient: Howard County Historical Society
Amount: $10,000
Type: Bricks & Mortar
Project: Restoration of the Second Quaker Schoolhouse
Description: Funding will support both interior and exterior capital repairs to the building to prepare the structure for its future conversion to an engaging children’s museum.
Recipient: Ellicott City Historic District Partnership
Amount: $3,500
Type: Interpretation & Signage
Project: Signage for lower Main Street
Description: Funding will support the replacement of the flood level sign near the Patapsco River Bridge and the creation of a plaque above the 10 mile marker under the CSX Bridge.
Recipient: Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks
Amount: $6,300
Type: Interpretation & Signage
Project: Interpretive Exhibit Panels for the B&O Museum, Ellicott City Station
Description: Funding will support new interpretive signage and exhibits for the iconic structure.
Recipient: Howard County Historic Preservation Commission
Amount: $10,000
Type: Education & Public Outreach
Project: Printing and distribution of updated historic district design guidelines
Description: Funding will support the publication and distribution of updated design guidelines for the Ellicott City historic district. Design guidelines, which help maintain the district’s distinctive look and feel, will be widely distributed in an effort to help improve and rebuild the historic district.
Recipient: Howard County Tourism Council
Amount: $6,120
Type: Bricks & Mortar, Interpretation & Signage
Project: Welcome Center Rain Garden
Description: After the front lawn of the Howard County Welcome Center was damaged in the flood, there was a reevaluation of the design and composition of the lawn, resulting in the decision to create a rain garden featuring native plants, features designed to slow water flow, and interpretive signage. Funding will support installing this new rain garden and interpretive panels.
Recipient: St. Luke’s A.M.E. Church
Amount: $3,580
Type: Bricks & Mortar
Project: Exterior repairs
Description: This grant will help fund exterior repairs to the historic St. Luke’s A.M.E. Church on Main Street.