Endangered Elkridge, Part II: Belmont

Each spring, Preservation Howard County publishes a list of historic or culturally significant properties that are threatened by development, deterioration or neglect.

The "Top 10 Endangered Sites" is intended to bring attention to efforts to save the properties, according to Fred Dorsey, president of Preservation Howard County (PHC).

On this year's list, 3 of the county's 10 endangered properties are in Elkridge.

Yesterday we covered . Tomorrow we'll showcase the Thomas Viaduct. Today's installment of "Endangered Elkridge" covers an estate in limbo.

Belmont

The manor house, located in Elkridge near Montgomery Road west of Interstate 95, epitomizes the challenges faced by many endangered antiquities. Although there is widespread agreement that something should be done to preserve the stately home, no one has come forward with a plan.

“Local government budgets for restoring and subsidizing historic sites are cut to the bone, and it’s very difficult to do much with them,” said Dorsey. “Often the best option is to adapt properties for use by businesses that can pay enough rent to cover [maintenance] costs.”

Built in 1735 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, originally consisted of more than 1,300 acres and was built by Caleb Dorsey, who ran an iron business in the area. In more recent years, Belmont was owned by the Smithsonian Institution, which used the property as a conference center.

Howard Community College purchased the property in 2004 and attempted to operate it as a culinary institute. Its efforts proved unsuccessful and the college is currently trying to sell it.

Preservationists worry about Belmont’s future.

“Belmont has been on the list every year,” said Dorsey of PHC's top 10 endangered sites, a list in existence since 2001, "and probably will remain there."