The Annapolis Department of Legislative Services Building is under construction, reflecting the state capital’s Georgian aesthetic with modern amenities.
Located across from the Maryland State House in Annapolis, the new Department of Legislative Services (DLS) building construction is underway, thanks in part to Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects. The modern state-of-the-art office building, housing four stories (plus two additional stories underground), will integrate a range of modern amenities and program components.
M&D has managed all of this without sacrificing the Georgian Architecture that the city is known for.
One hand in the future, one hand in the past
For M&D, the challenge in producing a plan for Maryland’s new DLS building lies in protecting the valuable past while simultaneously integrating forward-thinking elements throughout the building that prove meaningful for years to come. The building exterior will reflect the city’s Georgian Architecture, complete with red brick, white windows, slate roofs, and white dormers. But that’s not all.
Ralph Muenstermann, Architectural Designer with M&D, has been on the front lines for the Annapolis DLS project administering the construction contract. His favorite feature? A large, three-story atrium with a 1500-square-foot skylight area.
Muenstermann says, “I am looking forward to seeing the contrast as you move through the building, from the exterior, through the lobbies, and into the atrium.”
Meanwhile, the green roof behind the historic slate roof portion will help reduce solar heat-island buildup in the summer.
Functionality in design
For those involved in the day-to-day operations at the DLS building, features like the new Joint Hearing Room, modern teleconferencing setups, LED lighting and other LEED Silver certified features, and more will make a massive difference. This is all intentional by M&D.
Rebecca McCormick, Architect at M&D, says about the government employees, “This is going to be their home base, and it's going to drastically improve the way that they function.” For Maryland as a whole, the impact of the new DLS building will ripple out.
Teamwork with a capital t
Peter Schwab, Senior Architect at M&D and Project Manager for the Annapolis DLS building, harps on the teamwork needed for such a massive undertaking. “Designing a project that is being built within the context of an occupied downtown capital is very much a team approach,” Schwab says. He notes the Department of Legislative Services, Maryland Stadium Authority, and Whiting Turner Construction Company as a few key players helping to make it all happen.
‘A portal for the public’
The building is located at the junction between the state government complex and the historic downtown of Annapolis. Muenstermann says, “At that location, it will serve as a portal for the public to interact with the state government.” He adds that M&D has curved the façade facing the State House on the streetscape level, “which will subtly emphasize its importance in the center of State Circle.”
Once complete, the new DLS building will have postcard potential, contributing to a vision of Annapolis that speaks to the city’s beloved legacy and forward momentum alike.
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