Westminster commission approves up to $19,049 facade grant and 10% historic tax credit for 205 East Main St.

The Westminster Historic District Commission on March 5 approved awarding up to $19,049 from the city’s facade improvement program and granted a pre-construction certificate for a 10% historic tax credit — up to $8,924.40 — for exterior rehabilitation work at 205 East Main Street.

The vote came after staff presented the application and two contractor estimates and after the applicant confirmed the scope. Melissa Thorne, city historic preservation staff, told the commission that the facade program derives from a $150,000 grant from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and that $130,951 of those funds had already been reserved for four prior projects, leaving $19,049 available for new awards.

The application, submitted by Brown Plus on Feb. 7, 2025, requests a matching grant for exterior repairs to stop moisture intrusion, including removal and repair of damaged EIFS (exterior insulating finishing system), installation of flashings and sealants where EIFS meets windows and doors, localized replacement of sheathing, application of EPS foam and a new base coat with fiber mesh, and repainting of trim and dentil molding. Two contractor estimates were in the packet: JFJ and Sons Construction Restoration and Remodeling LLC and Tackett (Thackett) Construction…