PROJECT Blackwall Hitch
LOCATION Annapolis, Maryland,
PROJECT COMPLETION DATE 5/16/2014
ARCHITECT Hammond Wilson
ASSOCIATED ARCHITECT
OWNER/CLIENT Rockfish Acquisition LLC: Derek Fink, James King, Larry Ray and Steve Schuh
CONTRACTOR BuilderGuru Contracting, Inc.
PHOTOGRAPHER Lisa Masson
DESIGN TEAM Leo A. Wilson, AIA, LEED AP; Christopher Frank, AIA, LEED AP
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT:
Just over the Spa Creek bridge from downtown Annapolis lies the quirky maritime neighborhood of Eastport. At its gateway and dubiously anchoring its “Restaurant Row” at the corner of Sixth Street and Severn Avenue, stood a worn building that had been home to a long series of less-than-successful bars and restaurants. With large open spaces, its layout was poorly resolved and generally lacking presence and a sense of identity. New ownership recognized the site’s potential to showcase an upscale, “urban chic” establishment. Site upgrades, including pervious paving, bioretention cells and conservation landscaping, were made with a Water Quality Grant from the Maryland Department of the Environment through cooperation with the Chesapeake Bay Trust, the Spa Creek Conservancy, and the City of Annapolis. A complete renovation of the building involved a new entry with a nautically-themed stair leading to a new rooftop deck, reconfiguration of the bar and dining areas and and a new raw bar. The entire exterior image was redefined to better reflect the maritime character of the neighborhood and to provide more light into the bar. The building’s reincarnation as Blackwall Hitch -- with its welcoming spaces, outdoor rooftop dining, ample parking and live music -- has been welcomed by locals and tourists alike.
IMAGE CAPTIONS & CREDITS
IMAGE 1 BlackwallHitch_high res ext.jpg / A renovated, gleaming Blackwall Hitch proudly anchors Eastport's "Restaurant Row." / Lisa Masson
IMAGE 2 BlackwallHitch_high res int.jpg / A curved wall of etched glass provides separation between the double-volume entry and the bar. Casement windows and transoms allow natural light to flood the space. / Lisa Masson
IMAGE 3 BlackwallHitch_150dpi_entrance.jpg / A dramatic double-volume entry contains a broad, open-tread stair that leads to rooftop dining above. / Lisa Masson
IMAGE 4 BlackwallHitch_150dpi_oysterbar.jpg / In the main dining room, a marble-topped oyster bar is a craftsman-like centerpiece; its curvilinear form contrasts the sharp angular nature of the existing building and the site. A glass back bar provides an open view to the kitchen behind. / Lisa Masson
IMAGE 5 BlackwallHitch_150dpi_barwindow.jpg / A translucent glass wall back bar is shared with the main dining room, allowing the two spaces to feel simultaneously separate from, yet connected to, each other. / Lisa Masson
IMAGE 6 BlackwallHitch_150dpi_privatedining.jpg / Around the perimeter of the main dining room are three uniquely furnished private dining rooms. Sliding window walls maximize the flexibility and utility of these additional spaces. / Lisa Masson
IMAGE 7 BlackwallHitch_150dpi_rooftop.jpg / Proximity to water is what defines Eastport. In warmer months, the most coveted seating in the restaurant is on its new, multi-level rooftop deck, with its views of Spa Creek, sailboats, the U.S Naval Academy and historic downtown Annapolis beyond. / Lisa Masson
MEDIA FOR DOWNLOAD
Project PDF
Blackwall Hitch
Category
AIA Chesapeake Bay > Non-Residential Architecture (AIA Chesapeake Bay) > Rehabilitation/Renovation (AIA Chesapeake Bay)
Winner Status
- People's Choice
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