Overview
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development supports thousands of projects each year, from fixing up storefronts on Main Street to large multi-family housing developments. We are dedicated to helping preserve Maryland’s historic communities.
Sometimes, it isn't possible to preserve every building. In some cases, we need to remove unsafe, damaged buildings or improve the area to better serve the community.
As required by State and Federal law, we work with the State Historic Preservation Office (Maryland Historical Trust) to evaluate how our projects affect cultural resources such as historic buildings and archaeological sites. We try to avoid, limit, or address any harm. This process is called "Section 106 Review".
For more information, visit
Maryland Historical Trust - Section 106 Review Process.
Current Projects Seeking Comment
We review many projects with the Maryland Historical Trust each year. Only a few projects harm historic sites and need special attention. This page will be updated with information about selected projects that we are asking for feedback from the public. Your feedback will help us identify important historic sites and guide our decisions on how to address them.
Hearn Renaissance Project
Location: 505-511 Race Street, Cambridge
Project Overview: The developer wants state and federal funding to help with tearing down, fixing up, and building new residential and commercial buildings where two historic commercial buildings currently stand.
505 Race Street: This is a three-story brick building built around 1905, known as the Henry C. Patchett Building (D-791). The plan is to tear it down and build a new building with 1,500 square feet of commercial space on the ground floor and 10 residential units upstairs.
509-511 Race Street: This is a three-story brick building built in 1914, known as the Herbert Hearn Hardware Building (D-793). An engineering study found that the building’s steel and foundation walls aren’t strong enough for the new plan. They plan keep the front part but tear down the sides and back, and create 3,000 square feet of commercial space on the ground floor and 34 residential units upstairs.
Share Your Thoughts
We are seeking feedback on the Hearn Renaissance Project until July 15, 2025. To share your thoughts, please submit the contact form below.
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