Preservation Maryland today announced it has received $150,000 in funding from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Community Legacy Program for work on the historic structure known to the community as “Snoots House,” located in the Historic District of Brunswick, Maryland.
Preservation Maryland, the statewide nonprofit dedicated to the preservation and adaptive reuse of Maryland’s historic buildings, neighborhoods, and landscapes, is working closely with the City of Brunswick and the community on next steps for the project. The development firm Taft-Mills Group has agreed to transfer ownership of the property to the City. From there, Preservation Maryland will manage the preservation project on behalf of the City.
Laura Houston, Historic Property Redevelopment Manager
“Rehabilitation of this historic house is a fitting project to include in Preservation Maryland’s continually expanding Historic Property Redevelopment Program,” said Laura Houston, the organization’s Historic Property Redevelopment manager. “It’s an excellent example of how historical resources play a key role in defining a community’s sense of place, how preservation is revitalization, using our past to meet the needs of today and beyond, and how community members, preservation advocates, and elected officials can work together to create a shared vision.”
Partners are in discussion about what “Snoots House” will become but feel strongly about its future as a community asset.
Brunswick Mayor Nathan Brown
“The City of Brunswick is pleased to be partnering with Preservation Maryland on the restoration and preservation of a piece of Brunswick’s history,” said Brunswick Mayor Nathan Brown. “Partnerships with organizations like Preservation Maryland are vital to the success of preserving history in communities across the state. We look forward to engaging with our community over the coming weeks and months regarding the exciting restoration and potential uses of this historic property.”
Part of the partners’ work together will be officially naming the project as more history about the property, located at 9 South Maple Avenue, is uncovered. Current research suggests the structure has been in place since at least 1840, if not earlier, while the lot on which it sits was platted in 1787. “Snoots House” is one of only 12 extant structures built while the town was still known as Berlin, prior to the 1890 name change to Brunswick. This makes the property a rare local historical resource and representative of a unique part of the town’s heritage. With such significant resources dwindling, saving the house is more important than ever, ensuring the valuable history of Old Berlin and its buildings remain in existence.
In addition to the funding from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Preservation Maryland received $9,000 from the Delaplaine Foundation for the project. “Delaplaine Foundation, Inc. is pleased to partner with Preservation Maryland through grant funding in support of preserving the Snoots House,” said Delaplaine Foundation President Marlene Young. “Historic preservation is one of six areas of focus within Delaplaine Foundation’s mission, and we believe this exciting project will be a catalyst in allowing both citizens and visitors to do a deeper dive into Brunswick’s history and heritage while serving to boost the local economy.”