ELLICOTT CITY, MD - Howard County Department of Public Works (DPW) will host a community outreach meeting to discuss the transformational renovation of the Historic Circuit Courthouse on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in Courtroom 1, Historic Circuit Courthouse, 8360 Court Avenue, Ellicott City, MD 21043. The project is scheduled to commence construction on or about Monday, July 1, and weather permitting, is anticipated to be completed in 2026.
In October, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced that the former Circuit Courthouse would be renovated, revitalized, and transformed into a vibrant Center for Arts, Culture and History. Originally built in 1842, the building is owned by Howard County and features prominently in Ellicott City, overlooking Main Street of the historic downtown. The building was vacated in 2020 with the construction of a new Circuit Courthouse on Judicial Way. Upon completion of renovations, the historic building will become home to the Howard County Arts Council, the County’s first Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Cultural Center, the award-winning Roving Radish farm-to-table food program, and a shared commercial kitchen.
This project is highly anticipated by many and will enhance the community’s revitalization by spurring economic growth, while promoting social and cultural vibrance. Through this project, the County will promote a dynamic public space that fosters creativity, economic opportunity, and cultural exchange by co-locating arts and cultural experiences and entrepreneurial food production next to a thriving commercial district. In addition, Howard County will invest in the preservation of historic structures, while actively repurposing them to meet contemporary community needs, which positions Ellicott City for a strong future.
Additional questions can be directed to eccourthouseproject@howardcountymd.gov or by contacting Public Works Customer Service at 410-313-3440 or publicworks@howardcountymd.gov.