Historic district commission approves screened mini-split heat pumps at 33 South Water Street

The Frostburg Historic District Commission voted Sept. 8 to approve installation of mini-split heat pumps at 33 South Water Street, finding the proposal compatible with the neighborhood and sensitive to historic materials.

An applicant described a plan that originally proposed up to five mini-split units; one unit had already been installed and covered before the commission review. The applicant said the remaining units would be mounted in an alleyway and set about a foot off the ground to allow for snow clearance. The applicant also said the exterior line covers are currently white and that the metal power box might be painted to better blend with the façade, but that the compressor casing itself cannot be painted.

Commissioners’ questions focused on protecting historic fabric. One commissioner recommended anchoring to mortar joints instead of the brick face to avoid damaging historic material and cited the Secretary of the Interior’s standards and the city’s design guidelines as the basis for their recommendation. The commission encouraged hiding or screening units and covering lines where feasible.

At the hearing a commissioner moved to approve, stating they had reviewed the application and relevant materials and found the installation “sensitive to the history of materials” and compatible with the neighborhood; a second was recorded and the motion passed by voice vote with ayes recorded and no named opposition.

The commission did not attach additional conditions beyond the guidance already discussed, and staff offered to follow up on permit documentation with the applicant. The applicant noted urgency to complete work so a downstairs tenant could have heat.

The commission’s action authorizes the installation as presented; staff will retain permit documentation and follow up on any outstanding field details.