“History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.” – Maya Angelou
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development has announced the second recipient of the State of Maryland’s Catalytic Revitalization Tax Credit, designed to rehabilitate formerly government-owned properties for economic and community development purposes. The redevelopment of Fort Ritchie in Washington County will receive a state tax credit worth up to $15 million for the comprehensive redevelopment and reuse at the historic site of the former military base.
BALTIMORE (December 22, 2022) – After nearly two years of dedicated advocacy, Preservation Maryland and its national program, The Campaign for Historic Trades, is pleased to announce that the Frederick Jobs and Historic Preservation Training Center Land Acquisition Act was included in the recently passed year-end government spending bill and is expected to be immediately signed into law by President Biden. The legislation was sponsored by Senators Cardin and Van Hollen and by Congressman Trone in the House of Representatives.
The legislation, which was initially drafted by Preservation Maryland advocacy staff, provides the National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Training Center, located in Frederick, Maryland, with the congressional authority to acquire up to 20 acres to build out a fully functioning center for historic trades training. The vastly increased footprint will also permit the Center to expand and host more trainees in Frederick and around the nation.
In addition to leading the advocacy effort, Preservation Maryland President and CEO Nicholas Redding also testified before Congress in November of 2021 in support of its passage, alongside leading preservation and conservationists. Redding’s testimony before a congressional committee was a first in the organization’s history.
While a simple bill, its passage in one congress was anything but certain. Common sense preservation legislation often languishes, as leading national preservation groups know all too well. Fortunately, Preservation Maryland’s persistence coupled with tremendous congressional sponsorship in Maryland Senators Cardin and Van Hollen and Congressmen Trone and their respective staff, led to its passage in the 117th Congress.
Nicholas Redding, Preservation Maryland President, and CEO, explained,
“Tackling federal legislation is perhaps the most complex advocacy goal for a statewide organization – it’s a task that confounds even the most sophisticated national organizations – so for Preservation Maryland to take the lead on this effort and see it through in one Congress is something to be celebrated.” Redding continued, “This legislation isn’t just about buying land – it’s about investing in our communities and building a workforce equal to the opportunity before us.”
With passage secured, the next phase of the complex project begins. Fortunately, the property has been identified and is owned by the City of Frederick, which is both a willing seller and partner. As the project develops, Preservation Maryland will update its followers and partners on opportunities to get engaged and supportive of the work ahead.
A special thank you to our partner the Historic Preservation Training Center (HPTC) and its superintendent Moss Rudley for their continued partnership.
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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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