CONNECTIONS WITH OUR PAST

The buildings and sites that a community preserves help to define the physical identity and character, for which a community will be known. Our preserved landmarks are indications of our common values, the past has shaped us, and who we are today. Since 1971, buildings and sites which have been designated as landmarks by City ordinance, reflect some of our most treasured links to the past and feature examples of the finest architecture that graces our streets. It is the responsibility of the Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation (CHAP) to coordinate the designation process, which can protect these valuable assets.

In a city of Baltimore's size, the designation of landmarks is an ongoing process. Groups of eligible buildings have been added to the protected list every few years. This publication is organized in accordance with the chronology of designation ordinances. To be considered for landmark designation a site, structure, landscape, building/or portion thereof, place, work of art or object must meet one or more of the following criteria:

1. dates from a particular period having a significant character, interest, or value, as part of the development, heritage, or culture of the City of Baltimore; or
2. is associated with the life of an outstanding historical person or persons; or
3. is the site of an historic event with a significant effect upon the cultural, political, economic, social, or historic heritage of the City of Baltimore; or
4. is significant of the architectural period in which it was built and has distinguishing characteristics of an architectural style, method of construction, or engineering, or is the notable work of a master builder, designer, engineer, artist, or architect whose individual genius influenced his age; or
5. contributes information of historical, cultural, or social importance relating to the heritage of the community; or
6. has yielded, or may likely to yield, archeological information important in history or prehistory.

Landmarks are created through a process which typically begins with research conducted by CHAP and the property owner. Any interested party, preferably the property owner, may recommend an addition to the list. Under Article I, Section 40 of the Baltimore City Code (CHAP ordinance) a legal process is established to formally create landmarks. The process includes recommendation of designation by CHAP and the Planning Commission, and the formal passage of a designation ordinance by the City Council. Due process is followed when designation is considered, including the convening of three public hearings, during which public testimony about designation is considered.

After designation, landmarks receive the same protection provided to buildings located in designated Baltimore City historic districts. Review of all work that affects the exterior of a landmark would then occur as part of the Baltimore City permit process. Such work to be reviewed includes, but is not limited to, cleaning, painting, removal or altering of architectural features, excavation, construction of any kind and demolition. The published CHAP Historic Preservation Guidelines outline the standards to be followed. The board members and staff of CHAP conduct the required review on a timely basis, with due consideration of owner hardship where pertinent.

Baltimore City's landmark designation process was implemented by the early creation of a local historic preservation ordinance in 1964. Today, Baltimore is in good company of 1200 other communities that formally preserve their landmarks in a similar fashion. To obtain additional information about Baltimore City landmarks or historic preservation in general, CHAP may be contacted at the following address:

Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation
417 East Fayette Street
Suite 1037
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
410-396-4866 Phone
410-396-5662 Fax