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December 10, 2007 Contact: Frederick W. Puddester, or Jan Hardesty, (410) 333-1560 The Maryland Stadium Authority has released the feasibility study for a permanent “National Sailing Hall of Fame,” envisioned for the Annapolis City Dock near the United States Naval Academy. The role of the Stadium Authority, which has coordinated the development of public use facilities throughout Maryland for the past twenty years, is limited to studying the scope of the project, evaluating the existing state property and determining how the facility can best be structured. Efforts to establish and finance such an attraction began two years ago with the formation of a non-profit. National Sailing Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. includes sailing enthusiasts, community leaders, local maritime business interests, and ESPN commentator and sailing great Gary Jobson. Their goal is to promote U.S. sailing achievements, educate the public about the sport in “America’s Sailing Capital,” and preserve America’s sailing legacy.
In December 2005, NSHOF signed a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Natural Resources and the City of Annapolis to locate the museum complex on state property at the end of Prince George Street. In August, 2006, the Maryland Stadium Authority was asked to perform a feasibility study evaluating the National Sailing Hall of Fame as an appropriate fit for the property based on site suitability, engineering, economic impact, preliminary programmatic and design requirements.
In requesting the Stadium Authority’s participation with the Department of Natural Resources and the City of Annapolis, National Sailing Hall of Fame president Dick Franyo said “Your experience with complicated economic development projects such as this will provide the team with a valuable resource and roadmap to further implementation.” MSA contracted a multi-disciplinary team led by RCG Architects. The team included Lord Cultural Resources, who evaluated exhibit content, Sage Policy Group, who provided the economic study, and various civil and structural engineers, surveyors and environmental engineers who studied the site and its surrounds. The team met with a long list of stakeholders, including the Maryland Historical Trust, United States Naval Academy, Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Conference and Visitors Bureau, state and local elected officials, and various community and business groups. The study determined the National Sailing Hall of Fame at the Department of Natural Resources site on City Dock is a feasible venture, can leverage additional tourism, and enhance downtown Annapolis. The vision of the project fits well with the waterfront location and the maritime history of the City of Annapolis. The study recommends that the board continue working with the Maryland Historic Trust and the City of Annapolis for guidance in design and scope of the building. It also suggests they continue meetings with community and business groups to keep them informed and gain the support necessary to secure funding for the design phase. The study is posted on the Maryland Stadium Authority website on this page: http://www.mdstad.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=67&Itemid=110
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