Located in an urban, high-use area, this park was nearly doubled in size to a total of 14 acres. Extensive upgrades to trail alignments, accessibility, playground and aesthetics occurred on the existing property and the expansion tied in additional program elements of a high-profile entrances, regulation-size soccer/lacrosse, parking, plaza and trails. Annapolis Landscape Architects (ALA) developed the approved Facility Plan design and worked with M-NCPPC through the final design and construction phases of work. The final design enabled M-NCPPC to protect a mature Walnut Tree which was revered by the surrounding community.
Client: Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Engineer: Charles P. Johnson and AssociatesPublic
Pip Moyer Recreation Center at Truxtun Park
The new Recreation Center, within Truxtun Park, was designed to meet LEED silver requirements. Critical site design elements that supported the green building effort included a green roof for rainwater harvesting and energy conservation, 30,000 gallon underground cistern for harvesting roof runoff and condensate collection for ball field irrigation, and a complex orchestration of curbless bioretention and microbioretention within the parking lots. Jenny Smeltzer, Annapolis Landscape Architects’ Partner, served as the project landscape architect responsible for the design development and construction document phase of work.
Client: City of Annapolis Architect: Alt Breeding Schwarz Engineer: Bay EngineeringHillandale Local Park
Annapolis Landscape Architects was selected by the M-NCPPC to develop a Facility Plan for Hillandale Local Park, a master plan and community consensus building and funding document. Already a dense, highly-used urban park located just north of Interstate-495, the Washington Beltway. This Facility Plan process sought to improve upon vehicular entrances, internal circulation, inadequate parking, aged park elements, environmental protection, safety, and current recreational needs. A series of community meetings and schematic plans were used to vet out desirable uses and reach community consensus on the park design. A “native inhabitants” themed natural play area is a central focal point to the design and combines water play with dinosaur fossils and bear caves.
Client: Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Engineer: Charles P. Johnson and AssociatesElizabeth Furnace
Annapolis Landscape Architects (ALA) developed a historic landscape master plan for the core area of the 650-acre Elizabeth Furnace. Converting the private residence and grounds to a venue for weddings and other gatherings creates a purpose for the property which was underutilized. The master plan relocated the primary entrance into the property to enhance the entry sequence for the public entering the property. A 75-car parking area was nestled into the forest out of sight from the visitor gathering areas and the entry drive was realigned by ALA to acknowledge the historic crossroads.
The Elizabeth Furnace is an eighteenth-century village which has survived two and a half centuries essentially intact. Thirteen colonial-era buildings, constructed between 1746 and 1788, are still standing in the 10-acre core of the property which includes the furnace and ironworks. The large number of workers required for the furnace necessitated workers’ housing, plantation-style outbuildings, and farmlands to produce food: a creamery and dairy, multiple cold cellars for food storage, at least two blacksmith shops, a glasshouse, and even a general store which was still in operation as late as the 1830’s.
The iron furnace, when operational in the eighteenth-century, produced among many other items armaments for the Revolutionary War. General George Washington quartered Hessian soldiers at Elizabeth Furnace and the site remains largely unaltered. Extant buildings include the Stiegel-Coleman House, a 100-foot-long stable, an ice house, a coal house, a tenant house, and a privy (all stone buildings). Electricity and indoor plumbing were not introduced until the late 1960’s.
The Stiegel-Coleman Mansion was designated as a National Historic Landmark on November 13, 1966. The earliest structures on the site were built in 1740, and the plantation was passed to the current owners, the Coleman family, in 1778.
Client: Craig Coleman Historic Architect: Citadel DCA Engineer: Diem & Sons Awards:Acton’s Landing Park
A waterfront park was created as part of the Acton’s Landing award-winning adaptive infill project. The park was created by a property swap between the City of Annapolis and the developer to shift the alignment of a road to allow the park to be adjacent to the water. Second only to the view of Spa Creek, is a gaggle of oversized, bronze geese sculptures, a focal point for kids and adults alike. The park is a central gathering space for the community with dog walking, frisbee throwing and serene views of the water.
Hubert H. Humphrey Green Plaza Feasibility Study
Annapolis Landscape Architects joined the OLBN Architects design team in developing the Green Plaza Feasibility Study for the Hubert H. Humphrey Building was to mitigate urban stormwater runoff. The historic minimalist form of architecture and site are from the 1970s and are key elements to preserve during the process. Open space is mostly on-structure, requiring a green roof to absorb runoff. This was configured in panels to complement the site layout and striking plaza features, including a large “ziggurat” in the plaza paving and sculpture.
Client: US Department of Health and Human Services, and managed by EMCOR Architect: OLBNMaryland State Capitol Grounds
This Landscape Enhancement Study focused on the historic grounds of the Maryland State Capitol which remains in continuous use today both for the state government and as a focal point for tourism in Annapolis. The study was initiated to review accumulation and character of planting, signage, and other elements that had gradually increased to the point of reducing clarity in this historic landscape. Critical analysis focused on the historic plans for the site, signage, lighting, and plantings. Recommendations included selective removal or relocation to open views, minimize clutter, and accent focal points. A new series of (ADA compliant) universal access ramp and retaining walls integrate the Treasury Building access into the historic State Circle grounds. Annapolis Landscape Architects’ Partners, Debby Smith and Shelley Rentsch both worked on this project with Ms. Smith focusing on the design and implementation of a new accessible route to connect the street known as State Circle with the Capitol building. Ms. Rentsch prepared the historic landscape maintenance and enhancement study.
Client: Maryland Department of General ServicesFleet and Cornhill Streets Reconstruction
Fleet and Cornhill Streets, located in Historic Annapolis, endeavored a significant planning and feasibility study of the paving, furnishings, lighting and notable historic site elements, as well as, the studying all utilities for their replacement underground. In the case of these very narrow rights-of-ways this required the complete removal of the historic fabric. A complete inventory and analysis of all site features was undertaken and character-defining elements were identified and mapped in detail. Additionally, a historic materials salvage and reuse study was completed. Annapolis Landscape Architects’ Partner, Shelley Rentsch, led the desgn phase of work on this project which included several public meetings and Historic Preservation Commission Hearing meetings.
Client: City of Annapolis Engineer: RK&K