At a press event with Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman, Preservation Maryland announced its decision to establish a Preservation Resource Center in Ellicott City, Maryland to directly assist property owners with the difficult task of repairing and rehabilitating historic buildings damaged in the July 30 flood.
At the same press event, the organization also announced that Ellicott City will be designated a Six-to-Fix project, making it one of the top priorities of the organization for the next year.
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PRESERVATION RESOURCE CENTER
The Resource Center, which will be physically located on Main Street in Ellicott City once habitable, will provide a variety of preservation assistance, including connecting property owners with consultants and contractors, help with navigating the historic district review process and providing information on financial assistance available, including local, state and federal tax credit programs. Workshops and talks on specific preservation topics will also be provided as the Center expands its efforts in the fall. The operations of the Center will be overseen by Renee S. Novak who will serve as Field Director and was hired specifically for this campaign.
Preservation Maryland has committed to keeping the office open and providing these kinds of direct, targeted and strategic technical assistance for the next nine months, until May of 2017. Preservation Maryland Executive Director Nicholas Redding explained,
“We are seriously committed to this recovery effort and intend to use every resource at our disposal to assist property owners looking to rebuild this important historic district. Maintaining the history and character of this town will be a critical component of recovery and we are ready to assist in that herculean effort. This is why our organization exists – and we are prepared for the task.”
Partial funding for the Preservation Resource Center was provided by generous donations to Preservation Maryland’s Flood Recovery Fund as well as contributions from several corporations including Howard Bank. Fundraising continues as the full amount necessary to operate the Center has not yet been raised. Donors interested in supporting the rebuilding and recovery of Ellicott City are encouraged to make a donation at presmd.org/ecflood.
WORDS FROM COUNTY EXECUTIVE KITTLEMAN
“Recovery from any natural disaster is a long and complicated process. The situation along Ellicott City’s Main Street is even more so because of the town’s rich heritage,” said Howard County Executive Allan H. Kittleman. “Preservation Maryland’s commitment to operate a Resource Center in the historic district for the next nine months will make it much more convenient for property owners to access the technical guidance and financial assistance that is available. As we rebuild Ellicott City, we are reaffirming our commitment to preserving its historic character.”
The Center will maintain regular hours throughout the week and staff will be available via email and phone. Detailed information may be found at Preservation Maryland’s website.
COVERAGE
8/30/16
“Preservation Maryland to open a resource center to help salvage Ellicott City’s history”
Baltimore Business Journal
8/30/16
“Preserving history a priority as Ellicott City rebuilds”
WBAL 11
8/31/16
“Preservation Maryland to operate resource center on Ellicott City’s Main Street”
Howard County Times via The Baltimore Sun
8/30/16
“As Ellicott City clean up continues, officials promise Preservation Center, but neighbors want more”
ABC2
8/30/16
“One Month Since Deadly Flooding, Ellicott City Announces New Rebuilding Resources”
WAMU 88.5
8/30/16
“Howard County executive affirms they will rebuild Ellicott City”
WUSA9
8/30/16
“Resource center to open for historic property owners in Ellicott City”
Fox45 News
8/30/16
“‘Preservation Resource Center’ Aims to Assist Ellicott City Flood Victims”
CBS Baltimore
8/31/16
“Officials to discuss preserving Ellicott City’s Main Street”
WTOP
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