The Maryland Club
Architectural History Study and Development of a National Register Nomination
Date
2021-2023
Status
Completed
Location
Baltimore, MD
Client
The Maryland Club Preservation Foundation
Constructed in 1891, the Maryland Club is a premier example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture and one of Baltimore’s most significant social institutions. Designed by renowned architect Josias Pennington, the building served generations of Maryland’s political, social, and cultural elite. Over time, the Club underwent several additions—including athletic facilities in the 1920s, 1960s, and 1980s—and experienced a major fire in 1995 that caused substantial damage to newer wings and some original interiors. Despite these challenges, the core structure retained much of its historic character, though piecemeal modifications had obscured its architectural coherence.
Progress Preservation led the development of a comprehensive National Register nomination to ensure long-term recognition and protection of the Club’s architectural and cultural value. The project involved deep archival research, on-site documentation, and a strategic evaluation of the building’s integrity, style, and significance. Restoration efforts honored the original design intent—preserving key elements like the marble-clad façade, Beaux-Arts interiors, and historic club rooms—while acknowledging the layered history of adaptive use. The resulting designation affirms the Maryland Club’s continued importance in Baltimore’s civic fabric and sets a precedent for the thoughtful preservation of living institutions.
