Union Square - Hollins Market Historic District

Union Square is proud to be both a National Historic District and a Baltimore City Local Historic District. These designations recognize the neighborhood’s significant history, architecture, and distinctive collection of historic homes and buildings.

As a Baltimore City Local Historic District, exterior work and alterations to properties within Union Square are subject to review by Baltimore City’s Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation (CHAP).

Planning Exterior Work? Start Here.

Before beginning exterior work or making exterior alterations to your property, you must complete an Authorization to Proceed (ATP) application.

An Authorization to Proceed (ATP) is the application used by CHAP to review proposed exterior work within Baltimore City local historic districts. The review process helps ensure that changes are appropriate for the historic character of the property and neighborhood.

How to Apply

1. Complete the CHAP Authorization to Proceed (ATP) Application

Download and complete the current Authorization to Proceed Application from Baltimore City CHAP.

Include a clear description of the proposed work along with applicable supporting materials, such as photographs, drawings, product information, including brand and paint color, specifications, or contractor proposals.

2. Submit Your ATP Application to BOTH:

Baltimore City CHAP
Tyriq.Charleus@baltimorecity.gov

Union Square Association Architectural Review Committee (ARC)
arc@unionsquareassociation.org

Please send your completed ATP application and supporting materials to both email addresses.

The Union Square ARC works with property owners and CHAP to help ensure proposed exterior work is appropriate for our historic district.

3. Receive Approval Before Beginning Work

CHAP staff will review your proposed project for compliance with Baltimore City's historic preservation guidelines. Depending on the type and scope of work, additional review may be necessary.

Do not begin exterior work until the required CHAP review has been completed and you have received approval to proceed.

What Types of Work Require Review?

Exterior work within the local historic district should be submitted for review. This may include:

Windows and doors
Roofing
Porches, steps, stoops, and railings
Brick, masonry, and repointing
Painting and exterior finishes
Siding and other exterior materials
Fences and gates
Exterior lighting and fixtures
Signs and awnings
Additions and other exterior alterations
Demolition or removal of historic exterior features

Not sure if your project requires an ATP? Contact CHAP or the Union Square ARC Committee before beginning the work.

Protecting Union Square's Historic Character

Union Square's historic architecture is an important part of what makes our neighborhood distinctive. Our National Historic District designation recognizes that significance, while our Baltimore City Local Historic District designation provides protections that help preserve that character for future generations.

Following the CHAP review process helps ensure that repairs, renovations, and improvements respect the architectural character of individual properties and the historic district as a whole.

Resources

CHAP Authorization to Proceed Application

Baltimore City Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation (CHAP)

Historic Rehabilitation and Restoration Property Tax Credit
Owners undertaking qualifying rehabilitation or restoration projects may also be eligible for Baltimore City's Historic Rehabilitation and Restoration Property Tax Credit.

Questions?

For questions about proposed exterior work in Union Square, contact the Union Square Association Architectural Review Committee (ARC) at:

arc@unionsquareassociation.org