7520 Main Street
Photograph of 7520 Main Street, taken by Gate House Staff, 2025.
7520 is not considered a contributing building areas within Sykesville's Historic District. For information, see: Sykesville Historic District
History
This property was purchased in 2004 from the Town of Sykesville for use as a three-section storefront. The 1920s garage that previously stood on this site was not reused in its reconstruction. Historically, it is hard to distinguish the property differences between 7522 (which no longer exists) and the new building site at 7520.
See the photos below to learn more!
Architectural Details
Awaiting updates from the SHDC.
1970
B&B Body Shop is seen here with a smaller sign for J&B Motors in this January 1970 photograph from the Gate House Museum Collection.
1978
The original lot of 7522 Main Street and garage at 7520 are seen in this 1972 photo dated April 2, 1978.
2025
This photograph shows the current businesses at the Historic Carriage House LLC site (Photo by Gate House staff, 2025)
Site Use
Research is ongoing to confirm the historical use of this property. If you see any errors or have additional information, please contact the Museum through the methods at the bottom of the page
Note: 7520 and 7522 are historically difficult to distinguish and cross over in the historical record as the property of 7520 but building of 7522.
Confirmed Use as of October 22, 2025:
Former Structures at this site:
c. 1925: a garage owned by John Serra operates at this site. ("Sykesville Past and Present," Linda Greenberg, 2012).
1988: John Serra and Robert Hall dispute a property claim "At the South End of Springfield Avenue" which may not be this address, but refers to their address as being at this location. (Carroll County Times, 19 October, 1988, p. 28)
1978-1990: J&B Motors is listed as a business at this address; when technically the address was 7522 (see above photo) ("Sykesville Past and Present," Healan Barrow, 1987; Carroll County Times, 1 June 1990, p. 40)
1993: JRR Partnership is listed as a business at this address (Carroll County Times 4 June 1993, p. 44)
1994-1996: Carroll Automotive and Recycling is listed at this address as "under new management" in 1994. (Carroll County Times, 20 May 1994, p. 33; 7 January 1996, p. 33)
2000: Sykesville Auctions (also seen as "outdoor flea market") advertises from this address ("Grand Opening" Advertisement. Carroll County Times, 20 January 2000, p. 36; 30 March 2000, p. 29). The property began foreclosure proceedings in summer of this year under the ownership of J&B Motors Inc. (Carroll County Times, 26 July 2000, p. 36)
Present Day Structure at this site:
2004: Property is purchased from the Town of Sykesville by Paul Meuller and Howard Saslow. They construct the commercial building seen at this site today.
c. 2007-2008: Sweet Simplicity operates at this address before moving to the Isabel building (see 7540 Main Street)
2021-present: Barrier-Free disability programming opens their physical location at this address as a "life skills studio" after starting their business in 2017. ("Our Story." https://www.barrierfreemd.com/story-values.html, accessed 24 October 2025)
2022-2024: Happy Kids Co. children's apparel operated at this location before closing at the end of 2024. The apparel company continues online and is offered at various downtown Sykesville physical stores as of 2025.
Present (2025): Barrier-Free disability programming, Muller Homes Inc realty, Livewell Therapy Services LLC,