The proposed National Sailing Hall of Fame (NSHOF), planned for the City Dock in Annapolis, would increase tourism and enhance the downtown area, fitting in with the city?s waterfront and history, according to a study released Monday by the Maryland Stadium Authority.
“Having the National Sailing Hall of Fame here and having it downtown puts us on the world map,” said Bob Burdon, president and CEO of the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce. “It puts us at the center of sailing?s commercial, recreational and sporting industry and will boost the maritime economy.”
The museum, planned to be built on land owned by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources near the gate of the U.S. Naval Academy, would support 100 to 120 jobs and generate $400,000 to $500,000 in annual tax revenues for Annapolis, Anne Arundel and Maryland.
The study predicted the museum would attract 50,000 to 150,000 visitors a year.
Baltimore-based RCG Architects has developed a proposals for a $20 million facility.
A two-story 1897 structure sits on the 0.17-acre DNR site and would be removed for construction of the museum. The plan includes acquiring land next to the DNR property.
Plans for the museum include space for interactive sailing simulations and historical displays about celebrated sailors.
“When you envision the possibility that we?re going to have a facility similar to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or the Baseball Hall of Fame, it?s pretty exciting,” said Susan Zellers, executive director of the Marine Trades Association of Maryland. “I hope it happens, and I hope it brings attention to the whole maritime industry.”
The feasibility study recommended the NSHOF continue working with the Maryland Historic Trust and the city of Annapolis for guidance in design and scope of the building.
Efforts to establish and finance the facility began two years ago with the formation of NSHOF. In December 2005, NSHOF signed an agreement with DNR and the city of Annapolis to locate the museum complex on state property at the end of Prince George Street.
ECONOMIC IMPACT
Based on about 100,000 people visiting the National Sailing Hall of Fame each year, the facility would generate $2,000 to $5,000 for Annapolis, $73,000 to $93,000 for Anne Arundel and $329,000 to $403,000 for Maryland in income, sales and hotel taxes.
Source: Sage Policy Group
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
