Statement Concerning the Proposed Demolition of Whites Hall, the Boyhood Home of Johns Hopkins

Preservation Maryland strongly supports the rehabilitation and reuse of Whites Hall, the 18th century boyhood home of Maryland icon Johns Hopkins. We emphatically oppose the current effort to demolish this nationally significant structure and believe many prudent and feasible alternatives to destruction still exist.

Historically, few names are as synonymous with Maryland as Johns Hopkins. His philanthropic legacy has touched the lives of millions of Americans – and citizens around the globe. His story is one that deserves to be told and remembered well. We cannot save every home – but Johns Hopkins boyhood home is a place worthy of our concern and attention.

However, as an organization, we recognize, accept and understand that time cannot be frozen – and that is why we have been long-term advocates for adaptive reuse of historic buildings. There are alternatives to the bulldozer’s feckless blade.

Fortunately, the state’s Sustainable Communities Tax Credit and the federal historic rehabilitation tax credit, along with a host of other programs and incentives, make these alternatives to demolition financially possible – and potentially lucrative as studies have shown time and again.

Preservation Maryland stands ready to assist the developer in identifying alternative uses, funding sources and financing strategies that would result in the long-term preservation of this important structure.

IN THE NEWS

01/27/16
“Demolition Proposed for Johns Hopkins Birthplace”
The Baltimore Sun

01/29/16
“Our Say: Let’s hope Hopkins’ birthplace is Preserved”
The Capital Gazette

02/25/14
“Development sprouts around first Johns Hopkins home”
The Baltimore Sun

PHOTOGRAPHS

The following photographs are from the Whites Hall Farm State Historic Sites Inventory Form from April 1984 compiled by Donna Ware, Maryland Historical Trust: