Historic Commission rejects design for York Road hyphen connector and requests new plans

The Baltimore County Landmarks Preservation Commission convened on July 10, 2025, to address significant concerns regarding the architectural integrity of a historic property, particularly focusing on a controversial hyphen addition connecting a house to a garage. The commission expressed strong dissatisfaction with the current design, which many members likened to a "motel" attached to an elegant stone building, arguing it detracts from the historic character of the site.

Commission members unanimously agreed that the hyphen's design is unsatisfactory and called for a redesign that either separates the garage from the main house or modifies the hyphen to better align with the existing structure. "It just looks terrible," one member remarked, emphasizing the need for a more aesthetically pleasing solution. The commission decided to reject the current application and requested that the property owner return with a new design that addresses their concerns.

In addition to the hyphen issue, the commission discussed landscaping and hardscaping proposals for the property. They noted that previous asphalt paving had encroached on grassy areas, leading to a loss of green space. The commission urged the applicant to restore the landscape to its original state, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the historical integrity of the site.

The meeting concluded with a motion to approve the landscaping plans for the tenant house and blacksmith shop, contingent upon the applicant providing more detailed plans for the main house that incorporate increased green space and consider the implications of the proposed hyphen redesign. The commission's insistence on preserving the historical character of the property reflects a broader commitment to maintaining Baltimore County's architectural heritage.