FEDERAL HILL SOUTH NATIONAL HISTORIC DISTRICT

The National Register is the federal government's official list of properties considered worthy of recognition for their significance in American history and culture. The northern half of the Federal Hill business district, (from the north side of Cross Street, north), has been listed in the National Register for many years. Upon receiving unanimous votes of support from the affected neighborhood associations, Federal Hill Main Street submitted a nomination for a new National Register Historic District covering the southern half of the business district: Federal Hill South. The nomination was approved and listed in the National Register on December 22, 2003.

The borders of the proposed district were determined based upon neighborhood association and business district borders as well as the architectural and historical significance of certain buildings -- all as recommended by the Maryland Historical Trust and by our consultant, an expert in architectural history and historic preservation. The borders are as follows:

Beginning at the southeast corner of E. Cross Street and Riverside Avenue, the border goes west along Cross Street to Olive Street, (the alley behind S. Charles Street), cutting out the Cross Street Market and Cross Street Auto at 1100 S. Charles, because they are not historic buildings; then south along Olive Street to Ostend Street, (effectively capturing all of the buildings on both sides of S. Charles Street); then east along Ostend Street (including only the north side) to Marshall Street, (the alley behind Light Street); then south along Marshall Street to Fort Avenue, (effectively capturing all of the buildings on both sides of Light Street); then east along Fort Avenue (including only the north side) to Covington Street; then north along Covington Street (including only the west side), to Gittings; then west along Gittings to Riverside Avenue; then north along the rear property lines of the properties on the east side of Riverside Avenue, (effectively capturing all of the buildings on both sides of Riverside Avenue), to the place of beginning at E. Cross Street.

Listing in the National Register brings both direct and indirect benefits. The direct benefit is eligibility for federal and state tax credits. Indirect benefits include the recognition and preservation of Federal Hill's unique historic character as well as increased property values.

National Register Historic District designation includes no design controls or demolition safeguards and no enforcement provisions. Design control and enforcement is only imposed on designated local listings. Federal Hill South enjoys National Register Historic District designation only. It is not included in any local listings. (Of course, zoning laws and local urban renewal ordinances already impose and enforce certain restrictions.)

For more detailed information on National Register Historic Districts or to download forms, go to www.marylandhistoricaltrust.net, (look under "tax credits"). For additional information about Federal Hill South National Historic District, email design@historicfederalhill.org, or call 410-727-4500.