The highly-detailed modernist Washington Suburban Sanitation Commission (WSSC) headquarters building in downtown Hyattsville remains threatened by demolition for development. The National Register-listed structure is included in a proposal by Werrlein Properties to build on the WSSC site and parcel immediately adjacent to Magruder Park.
At a public hearing held by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) on February 27, Smart Growth Maryland and its partners in the Smarter Growth Alliance for Charles County spoke out against Georgetown University’s plans to clear-cut 240 acres of Southern Maryland’s largest forest for an industrial-scale solar facility.
Smart Growth Maryland and its partners in the Smarter Growth Alliance for Charles County have long supported plans for Southern Maryland Rapid Transit (SMRT) – high-capacity, fixed-route transit from the Branch Avenue Metrorail Station in Prince George’s County to White Plains in Charles County.
Preservation Maryland and the Polm Companies jointly announced their intention to find a viable preservation solution for Whites Hall, the historic boyhood home of Johns Hopkins.
North elevation of Whites Hall. Photo by Donna Ware, Maryland Historical Trust, 1984
After discussions with Preservation Maryland and representatives of Anne Arundel County, the Polm Companies are hopeful they can find a suitable and qualified preservation buyer who would be responsible for the property’s rehabilitation and long term care.
Preservation Maryland’s Executive Director, Nicholas Redding, explained, “We applaud the Polm Companies for agreeing to put the house on the market and find an owner willing to care for the structure. This agreement underscores the value open and honest discussions can have in helping to save important places and we extend our gratitude to Danny and Rick Polm.”
The property, located in Anne Arundel County near Crofton, Maryland, includes the historic 18th century home and 13 acres and will be available to qualified buyers with sympathetic preservation plans starting at $700,000.
In addition to assisting with the facilitation of the sale, Preservation Maryland will also support buyers in navigating the potential preservation incentives available to the new owners.
“We are very pleased with this outcome and hope to find a preservation buyer willing to tackle this project very soon,” explained Danny Polm, Vice President of the Polm Companies, he continued, “We’re proud to be a part of this process and look forward to seeing the next chapter in this house’s history unfold.”
Interested buyers should contact Sarah Aaron at the Polm Companies for more information: info@polm.com
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Since 1931, Preservation Maryland has worked to protect the places, stories and communities in Maryland that matter. As a non-profit organization, it works with partners across the state to accomplish this important mission and protect the Best of Maryland. Find out more at: presmd.org
The Polm Companies are a second generation, family-owned, local business that prides itself not only on a higher standard of quality in home building, but a higher standard of customer service and relationship. Find out more at: polm.com
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