Full Speed Ahead for Annapolis Sailing Hall of Fame
By Kate Nickel | Online Only | Jan. 7, 2009
Architect's model of the new National Sailing Hall of Fame, which incorporates the 19th-century Burtis House on the Annapolis City Dock
Credit: Boggs & Associates
Despite a bit of choppy water, it's been mostly smooth sailing for the creation of the National Sailing Hall of Fame in Annapolis, Md. In December, architect Joseph A. Boggs preliminary designs for a proposed 20,000-square-foot interactive museum, to be located at the historic Annapolis City Dock.
In 2007, the project originally caused consternation among locals after state officials recommended that a 19th-century home be demolished to make way for the museum. Preservationists readied themselves for a fight to save the Burtis House, but met with little resistance from Boggs, who is now working to incorporate the historic structure.
Numerous local groups, including Annapolis Historic Preservation and the Historic Annapolis Foundation credit the Board of the Sailing Hall of Fame for working extensively with the public and for adhering to preservation laws and ordinances.
"We're pleased with the direction they're going," says John Guild, president and CEO of the Historic Annapolis Foundation. "While they don't have to follow these ordinances, at this point they really are; and they are in fact making every effort to keep the historic preservation community, our group, and the general public, in on the process."
Though plans have yet to be finalized, Boggs has presented several designs, all of which incorporate Burtis House. Planners hope details like viewing docks will allow what is obviously a new building to blend into its historic Annapolis surroundings.
The $30 million museum could draw anywhere from 50,000 to 150,000 visitors annually and provide a $300,000 annual tax revenue boost. The city's historic preservation commission is expected to approve final design plans at a Jan. 14 meeting.
In the meantime, the Sailing Hall of Fame looks forward to the creation of the unique museum. Says Director Lee Tawny, "Where Joe Boggs is headed is going to be a touchstone for what is possible in a historic district."
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