The Howard County Department of Planning and Zoning has invited the public to read and comment on the draft Ellicott City Watershed Master Plan being prepared by lead firm, Mahan Rykiel Associates.
A case study of flooding in Ellicott City, Maryland was recently included as part of a larger study by the ResilientAmerica Program of The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
To address the increasing frequency of requests for technical guidelines on appropriate adaptations for historic buildings at risk of flooding, the National Park Service recently released a new resource for preservation practitioners.
The center, which is located in the Howard County Welcome Center and is staffed with preservation professionals able to help property owners navigate the complexities of rehabilitating historic structures and how to utilize existing financial incentives to preserve each building’s historic character.
Preservation Maryland Board member and structural engineer, Mat Daw, points to a flood damaged building.
On August 30, Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman and Preservation Maryland held a joint press conference to announce Preservation Maryland’s commitment and investment in the preservation and rebuilding of historic Ellicott City. County Executive Kittleman explained,
Recovery from any natural disaster is a long and complicated process. The situation along Ellicott City’s Main Street is even more so because of the town’s rich heritage. Preservation Maryland’s commitment to operate a Resource Center in the historic district for the next nine months will make it much more convenient for property owners to access the technical guidance and financial assistance that is available. As we rebuild Ellicott City, we are reaffirming our commitment to preserving its historic character.
Preservation Maryland expects this to be an expensive effort and needs your support to operate the Preservation Resource Center. Partial funding was provided by generous donations to Preservation Maryland’s Flood Recovery Fund as well as contributions from several corporations including Howard Bank. Fundraising continues as the full amount necessary to operate the Center has not yet been raised. Donors interested in supporting the rebuilding and recovery of Ellicott City are encouraged to make a donation today, and businesses, organizations, and corporations, please contact Preservation Maryland to discuss all the ways that you can help.
The operations of the Center are overseen by Field Director Renée S. Novak. The Resource Center is currently located at the Howard County Welcome Center in the old Post Office at 8267 Main Street Ellicott City, MD 21043. Renée can be reached at 410-685-2886, x305 or rnovak@presmd.org. Please contact Renee before scheduling your visit to make certain we are available to meet.
The Resource Center provides a variety of preservation assistance, including:
For Historic Property Owners and Occupants
Resources for Historic Properties Impacted by Flooding
Maryland Historical Trust
Top 10 Resilient Design Resources
AIA Baltimore
How to Choose a Qualified Contractor (PDF)
Louisiana State Historic Preservation Office
Treatment of Flood Damaged Older and Historic Buildings (PDF)
National Trust for Historic Preservation