Commission for Historical & Architectural Preservation - Anniversary

C.H.A.P Serves Baltimore City for 40 Years

In a pioneering effort, the City of Baltimore established the Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation (CHAP) in 1964 to protect dozens of historic buildings near Mount Vernon Place. CHAP's eleven volunteer commissioners, appointed by the Mayor, and their professional staff, continue an important mission, as established 40 years ago. Today, CHAP's program is the most extensive of any historic commission in Maryland.

EngravingCHAP, like other historic commissions in the state and nation, recommends buildings and neighborhoods for designation, provides follow-up design review, and initiates a variety of actions to encourage care of valued sites. A fundamental purpose was, and is, to review plans affecting designated landmark buildings, and properties in designated historic districts. CHAP's contemporary mission now includes promoting the culture and economy of Baltimore City, and reclaiming historic neighborhoods. CHAP continues to seek the most effective ways of integrating Baltimore's past into its future, and serves a unique legal function in the prevention of demolition of significant buildings. Additionally, CHAP offers comprehensive support to property owners who rehabilitate local treasures.

CHAP's program is linked by law to the Baltimore City permit process, and currently protects over 8000 buildings in 26 historic districts, as well as 120 local landmarks. Neighborhoods have been particularly receptive to designation because it supports community stability. In each of the 26 local historic districts, neighborhood representatives work hand-in-hand with CHAP to apply preservation standards. Since the year 2000, Baltimore City has designated five new local historic districts (Ten Hills, Railroad, Jonestown, Hunting Ridge and Better Waverly) and eleven additional local landmarks.

Property owners have welcomed historic designation in Baltimore City because it provides City, State and Federal rehabilitation tax credits to support reinvestment. Since, 1996, Baltimore City has offered generous local rehabilitation tax credits, administered by CHAP. In that time CHAP has pre-approved 590 projects and awarded historic property tax credit certification for over 300 completed rehabilitation projects. CHAP's tax credit has leveraged $132 million in local investment in over 50 historic districts. CHAP's program is an ideal complement to those offered by State and Federal government.

Washington MonumentCHAP strives to establish beneficial policies and partnerships that keep its preservation tools current. In 1981, CHAP first published the "Historic Rehabilitation Guidelines" that remain the standard for project review today. Subsequent to the development of the guidelines, CHAP established policies for review of demolition, hardship, and neighborhood-based review of paint colors. CHAP frequently sponsors workshops and community meetings to encourage many facets of local preservation. CHAP's partnership with Baltimore Heritage, Inc., citywide non-profit preservation organization, is stronger than ever. Recent collaborations with Baltimore Heritage include a series of neighborhood tax credits workshops attended by over 800 people, and regular historic district neighborhood forums convened by the President of the Baltimore City Council. Currently CHAP, is working in partnership with the Department of Planning to update the Urban Renewal ordinances in the Mount Vernon area, thereby, strengthen the framework for historic preservation in the community.

CHAP's traditional historic commission tools are enhanced by the following complementary program components:

The Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum
Since 1978, CHAP has proudly operated the Poe House, welcoming thousands to the internationally regarded home of the famous author. Each January hundreds of visitors flock to Baltimore to celebrate the "Birthday Toast to Poe", sponsored by the Poe House and CHAP.

Monument Restoration
Since 1980, CHAP has sponsored conservation of the "Monumental City's" outdoor monuments. In addition to the sculptural treasures on Mount Vernon Place, recent projects include conservation of the Battle Monument, and the Francis Scott Key, Pulaski and Martin Luther Monuments.

Baltimore City Heritage Area
CHAP coordinated the initiative of many partners to create the Baltimore City Heritage Area, now in the Mayor's Office. The establishment of the Heritage Area is providing new economic opportunities for Baltimore's neighborhoods through heritage tourism development. Currently, CHAP is an active participant in creating a Heritage Trail within the Baltimore City Heritage Area.

National Register Designation/Certified Local Government Actions
CHAP has reviewed and approved the addition of 18,000 Baltimore properties to the National Register of Historic Places since the year 2000! Baltimore now has more National Register designations than any other City, and the list keeps growing.

Federal "Section 106" Site Survey
Since the 1970's, the CHAP staff has surveyed local properties to determine National Register eligibility, whenever expenditure of Federal funds may affect such properties. CHAP's survey is a service to the City of Baltimore that allows Federal dollars to be spent to the benefit communities. In a typical year, CHAP staff reviews 1000 sites to determine eligibility.

Maryland Scenic By-Ways and the National Road Initiatives
CHAP has represented the City of Baltimore in the implementation of these two major trail programs since their inception. CHAP's contributions include identification of local by-ways routes, coordination of signage installation, and writing of narratives for markers.

Survey, Research and Resource Center
For 40 years, the CHAP staff has compiled extensive survey and documentation of Baltimore's historic buildings and neighborhoods. In that time, CHAP has also assembled a significant library of architectural, historical, and preservation publications. CHAP is often the first stop for researchers seeking information about local buildings, neighborhoods and monuments. The CHAP staff, and these materials, are available as a public resource.

In summary, in recent years enthusiasm for the past has become a defining feature of Baltimore's present and future. The city's history, architecture and culture are now recognized as both irreplaceable and economically valuable. For 40 years, CHAP has built upon its earliest foundation to be a steadfast friend of Baltimore's urban qualities. CHAP continues to serve in recognition of the Baltimoreans who came before, and in anticipation of those who are yet to come.

- Kathleen G. Kotarba, Executive Director, 2004

May 10, 2008

Contacts

417 East Fayette St
8th floor
Baltimore, MD 21202

410-396-4866
410-396-PLAN (7526)
Fax: 410-396-5662


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