Boxwood Lodge - Urbana (Frederick: credit, house, purchasing)

[parkeranger]

My family and I are moving in to the area and found the Boxwood Lodge to be really intriguing. There is a lot of fun historical information online. One example: https://mht.maryland.gov/secure/medu...ick/F-7-60.pdf


We're curious if anyone is familiar and has some local information that can't be found online?



We're aware the house needs major work and the historic designation makes it more complicated. We want to bring life back to the property in a tasteful way. I'd love to understand the process of working with the county of Frederick and the historical component. What can and can't we do?



This would be a big undertaking so we're trying to apply any reality filters we can and would appreciate any local feedback and insights.



Thanks!

[MidValleyDad]

Are you connected with the property or just curious?


Historic designation can be both good and bad. I don't think it is a recognized Historic District (Like Downtown Frederick) so I don't think you are compelled to do anything. There may be tax credits available to assist in rehabilitation

[parkeranger]

Thanks for the reply, we're interested in purchasing the property. It has so much history I was curious if there was any local lore, good or bad, to share that could help our decision. It's such a beautiful house with so much potential and we love the idea of restoring it. We just want to make sure it's a good decision and thought people in the community may know some more about it.

[MidValleyDad]

Well the Maryland Real property Records show the main house as built in 1900. That may or may not be accurate but I have found the records to be pretty good. https://sdat.dat.maryland.gov/RealPr...s/default.aspx

The property records wouldn't give me a link to the individual record but it is only two easy steps from this page.

You might check with the Frederick County Historical Society. I'll let you know if I think of other resources.


Is the house livable now?

[LesLucid]

I don’t know anything about this specific house but I do have an acquaintance who owns a house (wife’s family home IIRC) that is on the National Historic Registry. He has told me about the incredible effort they have had to put into repairs to make sure they comply with the registry’s requirements for period authenticity. Door hinges made a certain way, craftsmen skilled in certain types of plaster work, etc. it is expensive and a time consuming. Be sure you know what you’re getting into.