Starbucks gets nod to open at historic Washington haunt

Globe and Mail ^ | 6-15-06 | Anon

[Pharmboy]

The historic Maryland Inn, a fixture of Annapolis, Md., since the 18th century when George Washington was a customer, is likely getting a 21st century Starbucks Corp. coffee shop.

The Annapolis Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously this week to allow changes to the exterior of the inn, parts of which date to 1780.

"This is the last hoop for them to jump through," said Jean Tullier, a spokeswoman for Remington Hotels, manager of the inn, after the commission approved an architect's design to allow for wheelchair-lift access.

The proposed Starbucks is the final step in the renovation of the 44-room hotel on Church Circle. The building, originally the King of France Tavern, was a haunt of American patriots and revolutionaries. Parts of it still have the original brick floor, stone walls and cooking fireplace.

According to local lore, George Washington once lost a horse in a game of cards there.

In the 1970s, a jazz club occupied the site.

Ms. Tullier said Starbucks will work to preserve remnants of both histories, including 18th century architectural features and artifacts and recordings from the jazz club's heyday. SBUX (Nasdaq) rose 72 cents (U.S.) to $35.87. AP

[Pharmboy]

I hope they won't sell Ditsy Chicks CDs there...and, FWIW, The General loved to play cards, so the horse story could be true.

[Pharmboy]

The Washington Family Coat of Arms

RevWar/Colonial History/General Washington ping list (FreepMail me if you want to be placed on or taken off the list).

[hedgetrimmer]

Any pictures?

[Vision]

I work about a mile from the circle. I'm kind of against it the change.

[Cinnamon]

yeah.. a commercial bastardization of an historic site

[Vision]

That's it on the right. Main street is basically shops, but I would have like to see this stay the same.

[Publius6961]

That's it on the right. Main street is basically shops, but I would have like to see this stay the same.

Just on general principle?
Or are you aware of changes that are intrusive or garish?

One of my most pleasant surprises when visiting Madrid (Spain) was visiting the McDonalds near the Palacio Real. It was housed in a multi-story old mansion, and after I was told what it was now, I had to look very carefuly to verify that it was, in fact, a McDonalds.

Change and modern use does not have to be intrusive and crass.

[Vision]

I'm speaking about this case only. We'll see what happens.

I wonder how they expect anyone to find parking.

[norton]

"Change and modern use does not have to be intrusive and crass.....I'm speaking about this case only. We'll see what happens. I wonder how they expect anyone to find parking."

Visited Westminister recently;
parking (limited) outside the walls; (not great) pubs all 'round, shops galore, and the place still felt as it should.
I'd have loved to find a McD's except they murder hamburgers anywhere in EU (so the Brit's told me).

Been to several east coast cities that managed the same ...after all, when built there were shops and inns in those same places. At least now the dishes get washed.

[KevinDavis]

If they do it right I have no problem with it..

[Fintan]

It's always fun at Starbucks.

[Pharmboy]

That's great. Thanks...

[Pharmboy]

I would not have a problem so long as they do not put the big sign on the outside of the building and put their logos in the windows in an understated manner.

[Ciexyz]

Any "haunt"ings at this place?

[Dr. Scarpetta]

Hope Starbucks doesn't change the inn noticeably. BTW, am I the only one that doesn't care for Starbucks coffee??