BY Marco Kathuria—Caitlin Merritt, Chief of Preservation Services with Baltimore County’s planning division posted a memorandum of support in late January. It lays-out the county’s support for the historic preservation of the vacant Wilkins-Rogers Mill in Oella, Maryland — as opposed to demolition and general redevelopment.
The full text of the memorandum reads:
BALTIMORE COUNTY, MARYLAND INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO: Jen Nugent, Chief, Development Review
DATE: 1/21/2022 Steve Lafferty, Director of Planning
FROM: Caitlin Merritt, Chief, Preservation Services
SUBJECT: Ellicott’s Mills Adaptive Reuse Project
The Ellicott Mill complex is part of the Ellicott’s Mills National Register Historic District. The district’s significance is derived from its history as the center of the industrial operations started by the Ellicott family in the 18th century and as the site of continuous industry from that time to the present. The structure itself is important to the history, heritage, and identity of the Ellicott City and Oella communities, as well as the surrounding area. It has a large visual presence on the Frederick Road streetscape and Patapsco River view-shed. The character and history help draw visitors to the area, and create a unique place to live.
The best way to preserve a historic building is to keep it in use. The adaptive reuse of the Mill allows for its continued use, while making it a viable community asset once again.
The loss of this resource will have a great impact to the community and the National Register Historic District as a whole. Additionally, it will significantly diminish the character of the area. The historic value and community impact of the Mill should be taken into consideration when evaluating site limitations or regulatory constraints that exist. This project should be looked at differently than traditional new construction/proposed use projects because of the historic value and nature of the project. Alternative solutions should be considered when dealing with certain limitations.
A PDF of the original memorandum:
Staff Contacts for Information and Assistance
Historic Preservation – General Inquiries and Application Submission
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 410-887-3495
LPC Meetings and Historic Tax Credit Program
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 410-887-3495
Caitlin Merritt, Chief of Preservation Services
Research Requests and Landmark Nominations
Email: [email protected]
Due to teleworking schedules phone messages may have delayed responses. Email is the preferred method of contact if immediate assistance is needed.
Source: Baltimore County Website
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Jay Patel says
Thanks for the update and details .
Oella community supports the Ellicott Mill Development project.
Jay Patel
Marco Kathuria says
Thank you, Jay. Your continued leadership in the community is very much appreciated.