This recently renovated luxury and apartment space is notable for its role in anchoring the corner of State Circle and East Street, and especially for the many businesses that have occupied its beautifully constructed spaces.
Historic records note that the architecture, materials used, and engineering of the building showcase exceptional period craftsmanship, skill, and expertise. A 1995 survey of the site states “the property showcases distinctive characteristics and methods of construction that represent the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity.”
When it was built around 1833–1834, the building’s plans clearly intended to make best use of location and view. The original façade faced State Circle, while the side elevation extended along East Street. The north elevation was flush, at the rear additions, with its neighbor at 54 State Circle. These features remain intact almost two centuries later. Double-hung, custom-paned glass windows look out over the majestic capitol dome and across gently rolling lawns where America’s greatest statesmen and politicians have reflected on the future of our country and the fate of Maryland’s lands and citizens. Few properties in Annapolis maximize this sense of place better than 50 State Circle.
While the exterior of the building remains intact, the modernized landmark that we see today is most likely the second or third building constructed on the lot and has had several iterations over the years. It was originally sited on a large tract of land that housed the colonial mansions, resplendent gardens and bountiful potagers of Annapolis’ earliest entrepreneurs, farmers, and landed gentry.
The chain of title for the property begins with a survey of the land in 1718 for Robert Bickerdike. Ownership transfer occurred regularly through the next two centuries. From 1720–1727 the property was included in deeds associated with the home of the Honorable Charles Calvert, governor of Maryland from 1720 to 1727. In 1883, the Maryland Gazette, one of the oldest newspapers in America, was published from the second floor. Maryland Historic Trust records and photographs show that in 1889 owner James Potter operated Central Drug Store on the first floor. Before its most recent purchase, the building housed a popular floral shop.
Constructed as a two-and-a-half story brick structure—the brick was laid in a five course American bond—the building’s exterior featured a front gable, stepped parapet fronting on State Circle over a central passage entry door, and a corner entrance. On the inside, the original basement had a stone floor, with brick and stone walls. Exposed crossbeams mark the basement space, which also features a quarter-turn flight of stairs in a corner. The second floor featured similarly exposed rafters, original window trim similar to the trim on the first story, and a straight flight of stairs leading to the third floor.
Between the years 1913 and 1921, renovation added a mansard roof. Future additions used weatherboard, and on the southern elevation, stucco. Original construction and renovations kept the 6/6 paned glass windows that even today feature a plain surround and modest sills and the large corbel capped brick chimney built on the interior of the north corner.
The simplicity of the materials and design, both in the 1800s and today, serve to give a sense of time and place, as well as authority to this property: it has stood the test of time, has viewed history both in the making and at work. This solid patriarch of the block as has survived the tempest of modernization around it. According to Maryland Historic Trust, the structure provides a good illustration of the growth of Annapolis from its 18th century origins of large and prominent estates to the more densely developed, commercial and residential mix we see today.
This property was purchased by MRE Properties, a real estate firm based in West Annapolis. “We saw opportunity in this building the first time we walked through it,” says EJ Rumpke, Principal with MRE. EJ and MRE’s architect, Hammond Wilson Architects, set to work with builder to configure a way to modernize the four levels while preserving the building’s unique history. “MRE is committed to reinvesting in Annapolis. This building was very special due to the nature of the original construction and renovations, as well as to its history,” Rumpke says.
Today, after centuries of construction, reconstruction, repairs, and renovation, 50 State Circle houses a three bedroom, three bath luxury apartment with separate entrances on the second and third floors, as well as commercial office space on the first floor and in the basement. Both spaces have committed tenants.
The interior of the building was gutted and completely restored in 2018, transforming each level into modernized, open spaces. Original flooring, including the hardwood floors on above ground levels, wood burning fireplaces, high ceilings with exposed beams, and original brickwork have been left intact. In the apartment level, a contemporary kitchen with a six-burner stainless steel range, granite counters, on-trend lighting fixtures, and a large center island topped with beautifully grained wood were installed. The farmhouse sink overlooks the State House, with views to the treetops all the way to the Governor’s mansion. Bathrooms feature marble and tile.
The 4,000 square feet of office space on the first and second floors offer a wide-open floor plan, exposed beams, high ceilings and that perfect view to the capital dome.
