Annapolis Historic Preservation
Preservation of historic properties is important in the City of Annapolis. As a property owner or tenant in a historic property, there are guidelines that must be followed and some resources to help you succeed in maintaining your historic property in Annapolis.
Before you sign a lease or buy a commercial building, check with the Annapolis Planning and Zoning Department to confirm your business use is allowed in the location you are considering and what property upgrades and permits may be required before opening.
Before starting any remodeling or upgrades, check with the Annapolis Historic Preservation Commission to make sure your ideas follow the historic preservation guidelines.
Historic Preservation Grants/Programs
Annapolis Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)
The Historic Preservation Division has primary responsibility within the Planning & Zoning Department for reviewing exterior changes in the Annapolis Historic District, administering the tax credit program, providing support to the Historic Preservation Commission, and participating in Current Zoning Division reviews. They also have guidelines for outdoor furniture. Before you do anything to your historic property in Annapolis, check with the Historic Preservation Commission to see if any approvals or permits are required.
National Trust for Historic Preservation:
$1 million in grants to 25 historic and culturally significant restaurants to help improve, upgrade, and preserve their exterior physical spaces and online businesses. The program has a preference for restaurants owned by underrepresented groups, including People of Color and women. It will be administered by the National Trust.
Grants, loans, research, and other resources to protect and preserve Maryland's historic properties.
Grants, education, resources, and historic trades workforce development.
The Arundel Community Reinvestment (ACR) Fund is available for downtown Annapolis and West Street businesses from Church Circle to Chinquapin Round. Loans up to $100,000 at zero percent interest for improvements, renovation, and upgrades to building exteriors and site improvements, including landscaping. If exterior improvements exceed $60,000, the applicant may include up to $40,000 in interior improvements. In addition to financial assistance, the program includes professional architectural services provided by a full-service architectural firm with experience in commercial revitalization.