Historic Frederick estate could give way to housing development

The city of Frederick has paved the way to turn a site representing centuries of U.S. history — including breeding the horse George Washington rode during the Revolutionary War — into a potentially massive housing development. At the request of landowner St. John’s Literary Institution, the city’s Board of Alderman voted to lift “floating” — or temporary — zoning for the Prospect Hall estate, reverting it to residential and making it more appealing to a potential developer. The base zoning allows for 12 housing units per acre.

The change affects 30 acres of the estate. The remaining two acres between the main road and the historic home are protected by the Maryland Historic Trust.