BALTIMORE (April 22, 2025) – Statewide nonprofit Preservation Maryland today announced that it has been awarded Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) funding to advance the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of the historic Ellicott City jail in Howard County, Maryland. The $500,000 in funding will support the preservation of this historically significant site and the transformation of the building into a collaborative space for nonprofits, public events, and as a center for preservation innovation.in partnership with the University of Maryland School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation.
The adaptive reuse of the Ellicott City site will breathe new life into this key piece of Maryland’s history, which is part of the Ellicott City Historic District. The funding will facilitate critical preservation work, including masonry and roof repairs, environmental site design, and energy-efficient updates, while respecting the building’s historical significance. The newly revitalized space will serve as a hub for preservation and conservation organizations, fostering educational initiatives that connect heritage preservation with contemporary challenges, including climate change. The project will also create opportunities for public engagement with the history of African American communities in the area, offering space for public meetings, historical interpretation, and contemplative reflection. Additionally, it will provide a venue for community and nonprofit groups to collaborate, with flexible spaces for meetings and events.
“This funding is a critical step in preserving not just the structure of the site, but the stories it represents,” said Nicholas Redding, President & CEO of Preservation Maryland. “We are excited about the impact this project will have on both the local community and the broader state of Maryland as a resource for heritage education and a further catalyst for revitalization in historic Ellicott City.”
This rehabilitation project also aligns with the goals of the Ellicott City Watershed Master Plan, addressing flood mitigation, sustainable energy solutions, and enhancing the area’s public infrastructure. The rehabilitation will contribute to local tourism efforts, further boosting Howard County’s tourism sector and supporting local businesses.
In addition to the CDS funding, Preservation Maryland has already secured more than $1.6 million from state and private sources to help fund the project.
For more information about the project and Preservation Maryland, please visit presmd.org. Questions may be directed to info@presmd.org.
This project is funded in part by a grant from the Historic Preservation Fund, as administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior.