Hancock's Resolution Restoration Project Completion Report

The following is based upon the report that has been submitted to the Maryland Histortical Trust (MHT) in compliance with the terms of the Grant Agreement between the MHT and FOHR. That agreement stipulates that FOHR must submit a Project Completion Report before final project funding can be disbursed.

Background

The firm of Mesick, Cohen, Wilson, Baker, Architects, L.L.P. of Albany, New York, was selected after their proposal won the competition to be the architects for this project. They developed the 138 pages of drawings and specifications for the restoration work that appear in the "Hancock's Resolution Phase One Restoration Project Manual". These are the documents which the winning contractor, Worcester Eisenbrandt, Inc. (WEI), of Baltimore, Maryland, followed in carrying out the project.

The following quote is from a passage entitled "Background" in the "Phase One Restoration Project Manual" which was written by the architects:

"Hancock's Resolution is a unique and important historic site. Aside from its social importance, it is most notable for its nearly pristine state. For two hundred and forty years the main house has remained nearly completely intact. While the passing generations have each left their mark in the form of additions and outbuildings, the main house has remained untouched. However, a decline in family fortunes over the past several decades has also left its mark in the form of decay. The intent of the work now contemplated for the house and its outbuildings is to retrieve those elements that have been lost, stabilize the fragile building fabric that remains, and to generally provide amenities necessary for public visitation.

"Overall, it can be generally stated that the level of craftsmanship was at its apogee when the stone portion of the main house and dairy were constructed, and that it gradually declined over the next two hundred years. In as much as it is possible, it is the desire of the owner and architect that the site should reflect this story. Indeed, it is our desire that, upon completion of this project, the mark of the architect and contractor should be nearly non-existent. It is our hope that upon completion of this project the public will only be aware of the workings and evolution of Hancock's Resolution and not how it was restored."

Meeting the Challenge

The challenge to the contractor was to understand and follow the guidance contained in the "Background" section of the "Project Manual" and to meet the very detailed specifications laid out by the architects in the Restoration Manual. The following line items come from the contractor's reports reporting progress on the $80,000 worth of work ($40,000 from MHT and $40,000 from Anne Arundel County) covered by the MHT/FOHR grant agreement. These nine major items are listed in order of the dollar amounts spent on them, followed by a tenth "Other" category. More >>