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Historic Annapolis Files Appeal Challenging HPC Ruling On Maritime Welcome Center

Annapolis, MD – March 17, 2025 – Historic Annapolis (HA) filed a legal appeal challenging the approval by the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) of the City’s plans for the Maritime Welcome Center (MWC).

The appeal alleges that the approval by HPC was a result of an improper process and a flawed application of the City’s historic preservation guidelines.  The HPC ruling deviates significantly from established preservation standards of review, particularly regarding the proposed addition of the MWC to the historic Burtis House.

While HA strongly supports the critical resiliency components of the City Dock redevelopment aimed at mitigating flood risks and ensuring the long-term viability of this historic waterfront, the organization expresses deep concern over the process and outcome of the HPC review for the MWC, which is separate from the resiliency effort.

“The purpose of the judicial review is for the court to assess if the decision rendered by the HPC was fair. All property owners must be subject to the same standard of review,” said Karen Theimer Brown, President and CEO of HA. “As a property owner, the City must abide by the same rules as every other property owner in the historic district.”

The City has attempted to avoid its own preservation guidelines by designating the MWC as a separate structure, notwithstanding the fact that the new MWC is attached to Burtis House. The result is an addition that overwhelms the historic structure to which it is attached.  

“Historic Annapolis is committed to the preservation of Annapolis’ unique architectural and cultural heritage, including the Burtis House,” said James O’Hare, Chairman of the Board of Historic Annapolis.

The Burtis house is the sole surviving historic waterman’s home on City Dock. It is named for Captain William Henry Burtis, a local Annapolitan who skippered sailboat cruises, rented small boats and supplied fishing bait and tackle from his house in the late 19th century. The house is also significant for the history of the Hell Point neighborhood, which was home to lumberyards, boathouses, and steamboat wharfs and inhabited by African American, Filipino and European American families.

“Any addition to this area should respect the history of the Burtis House and the Hell Point neighborhood,” said O’Hare.

HA recognizes the need to protect Annapolis from rising sea levels and is in favor of measures to improve the resiliency of downtown. However, these necessary improvements must be achieved in a manner that respects and preserves the City’s historic character.    

 “We can protect our heritage and our future. It shouldn’t be a choice of one over the other,” Brown said.

About Historic Annapolis
Historic Annapolis is a non-profit preservation and education organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the historic character of Annapolis, Maryland. Through advocacy, education, and preservation initiatives, HA works to ensure that Annapolis’ rich history remains a vital part of its present and future.  For almost 75 years, HA has led the charge on successful advocacy for the HPC ordinance and zoning restrictions on height and bulk that continue to protect the Historic District from over scaled and inappropriate development. 

Contact:
Bobbi Collins
Marketing Specialist
Bobbi.collins@annapolis.org
410-626-1033

 

Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley backs new City Dock recommendations – and makes a few of his own

Capital Gazette, , Danielle Ohl

Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley threw his support behind a study from the Urban Land Institute, released Tuesday. The report, a result of two days of interviews with residents, lawmakers and business owners, suggests Annapolis should preserve the existing “envelope” of buildings near City Dock, but move forward with development that would honor the city’s working-class maritime history and attract visitors to the waterfront.

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