Historic Annapolis Wins 2026 Prize for Excellence
The Decorative Arts Trust honored the ongoing restoration of the James Brice House in downtown Annapolis.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Home Renovation
The Decorative Arts Trust awarded Historic Annapolis its 2026 Prize for Excellence and Innovation, recognizing the restoration of the James Brice House, a National Historic Landmark in downtown Annapolis. The award funding will support the next phase of the project, focusing on original architectural hardware.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights preservation work on a locally significant 18th-century landmark in Annapolis. The restoration method, which relies on historical research and materials compatible with the original construction, offers a reference for preserving historic buildings in the city.
The James Brice House was constructed between 1767 and 1774 and has been under full-scale restoration since 2016 in partnership with the State of Maryland. Restoration specialists have uncovered rare textured plaster, fragile historic paint, and 18th-century woodgraining, with the award funding aimed at stabilizing and reproducing missing hardware.
The players
Historic Annapolis
A Maryland preservation organization that leads restoration and stewardship of historic properties in Annapolis.
Decorative Arts Trust
A nonprofit organization that promotes the study and preservation of decorative arts and awards recognition for excellence in the field.
The details
Restoration specialists have recovered decorative plaster ornaments hidden beneath multiple paint layers. The project will stabilize surviving locks, hinges, bolts, and weights, and craftspeople will fabricate historically accurate fireplace cranes, with researchers studying the nearby Ridout House, built around 1765, to inform the hardware reproduction.
Timeline
The James Brice House was constructed between 1767 and 1774.
The Ridout House was built around 1765.
Full-scale restoration of the James Brice House launched in 2016.
The 2026 Prize for Excellence and Innovation was awarded to Historic Annapolis.
Heritage Context
The James Brice House restoration follows a comparative approach, using the c. 1765 Ridout House as a reference for reproducing original hardware. This method of studying contemporary structures to inform authentic reconstruction is central to the current preservation effort in Annapolis.
Residents interested in historic home restoration can see how original architectural hardware and plaster are documented and recreated in practice. The restoration approach shows how period-accurate materials and techniques are applied to older Annapolis buildings.
The takeaway
Careful documentation of original materials and historical research can guide authentic restoration of older homes. Owners of historic properties can consult preservation professionals before altering original architectural features.
Further reading
For more on local restoration projects, explore Home Renovation coverage across the region.
More information
Learn more about the honor on the Decorative Arts Trust Prize for Excellence and Innovation information page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Eye On Annapolis.
