Commission preliminarily lists Upper Falls Odd Fellows Hall, approves full property setting

The Baltimore County Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to place the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Hall (Upper Falls Lodge No. 175) on the county’s preliminary landmarks list and to delineate the property’s historic environmental setting as recommended by staff.

The decision followed a staff presentation that described the two‑story wood‑frame building (circa 1860) and its long association with fraternal, civic and community uses. Michael Milan, who identified himself as Noble Grand of Upper Falls Lodge No. 175 and the nomination’s filer, said the lodge seeks designation of the building itself; he asked the commission to clarify the practical implications of including the broader environmental setting.

Why it matters: staff said preserving the setting helps protect the historic building’s visual context and gives the commission review authority over any new construction that might adversely affect the site’s character. Allison Lex, a legislative aide to Councilman David Marks, told the commission the councilman supports the nomination and that the office stands ready to help with zoning or other technical questions.

Commissioners debated whether to accept the staff recommendation to include both parcels or to limit protection to the parcel containing the building and add a 50‑foot buffer. Concerns included the potential for the commission to overreach into what are ordinarily zoning matters, and practical questions about how a buffer would be recorded if the owner subdivided or sold the land.

Neighbor Gerald Smith, who said he lives across the street, asked commissioners to examine why the lodge’s membership had not included the second parcel; he said a modern storage shed located on that parcel was in poor repair and detracted from the site’s appearance.

After discussion the commission adopted the staff recommendation to list the Odd Fellows Hall under Criterion 1 for its association with fraternal and civic life in rural Baltimore County and to delineate the property’s environmental setting as recommended. The motion was moved by Commissioner Daniel Dean and seconded by Commissioner Wendy McIver. A roll‑call vote recorded the affirmative votes of commissioners present; the commission noted a quorum was maintained despite two members leaving early.

Next steps: the item now advances in the county landmarks process for final consideration and any follow‑up research staff requires. If a final landmark designation is pursued later, the commission would have review authority over proposed changes within the delineated setting.