Landmarks commission adds Maroney House in Ruxton to preliminary landmarks list

The Baltimore County Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to add the Maroney House at the southwest corner of Ruxton Road and LeRoy and Del Club Road to the county preliminary landmarks list, citing association with notable past owners and the houseaQueen Anne architectural character.

Commission Chair Phoebe Evans Latosha opened the public hearing after staff summarized the nomination and research supporting eligibility under county criteria and the Secretary of the InterioraStandards for rehabilitation. Staff told the commission the two most supportable criteria were criterion 1 (association with persons or events of historic significance) and criterion 2 (distinctive architectural style or type).

The nomination was submitted by Ruxton resident Joseph Cole, who told the commission the house stands at a visible center of Ruxton and that its original fabric has not been substantially compromised. Owner Cassandra London, who closed on the property within weeks of learning of the nomination, said she intends to preserve the house and restore historic elements where feasible but later told commissioners she was not in favor of the designation. London described the house as in worse condition than shown in photos, said she has obtained window repair quotes approaching "almost $100,000," and asked for time to work with staff on restoration plans.

Commission discussion focused on the propertyashistory of ownership, the houseasurviving material features (German siding, slate roof, multi-pane wood windows and shutters), and precedents for including the parcela(0.44 acre as recorded in the nomination) as the landmarkahistoric environmental setting. Commissioners clarified that the commissionaresponsibility is limited to exterior features and setting; interior work is outside the LPCapurview unless tied to a tax credit application.

Commissioner John Coleman moved to add the property to the preliminary landmarks list under criteria 1 and 2 and to include the entire 0.44‑acre parcel as the historic environmental setting; Commissioner Daniel Dean seconded. The roll call vote was unanimous in favor and the motion carried.

Staff told the owner that if the nomination advances toward final landmark review the commission and staff will provide guidance about windows and other exterior elements, and that exterior review and design guidance (not interior controls) follow preliminary listing. Staff also noted letters of support circulated with the nomination, including a letter from the district council member.

The commission will forward the nomination as a preliminary landmark for the next steps in the county process. Staff said it will follow up with the owner with information about next steps, potential funding sources, and technical guidance on window repair and paint removal.