Redevelopment of the Annapolis City Dock’s historic Market House is no closer to completion after Baltimore developer Lehr-Jackson backed out of a proposed 30-year lease. Annapolis city officials have now joined forced with the Annapolis Economic Development Corp. in hiring a consultant to conduct an economic analysis of the long-vacant Market House, once a popular fixture for residents and tourists alike.
The West Annapolis firm of BBP will perform the study, which is expected to take about six weeks. The study will be used when requests for proposals to develop the property are sent out.The withdrawal of Lehr-Jackson was a blow to the city as it happened on the day aldermen had planned to vote on the proposal. The study now being done will examine the risks, returns, and options for different commercial ventures in the Market House.
It was great the way it was originally! Why did anyone believe tinkering with success was a good idea? It had flavor, character, and had a natural evolution that cannot be faked. What was created was sterile, nice looking, but no fun. My empathy to those that have to grapple with a new solution – don’t give up. There is an answer.