Give Pirates Wharf house its due diligence

“What is historic, and worth saving, varies with the beholder, but by some definition is urgent. Simply put, ‘historic’ means ‘old and worth the trouble.’ It applies to a building that’s part of a community’s tangible past. And though it may surprise cynics, old buildings can offer opportunities for a community’s future.” – National Trust for Historic Preservation

The large home at a Wicomico County-owned property known as Pirates Wharf has been a homestead for more than a 100 years – its location is indicated on the Quantico map of 1877. Sited high above the Wicomico River, it has a commanding view of the water and has always had easy access to the river – including a wharf and a primarily stable shoreline along its ¾-mile mile frontage.

If it were on the real estate market for sale (along with a couple of surrounding acres) it could no doubt command upwards of $200,000 as is, despite any shortcomings to the structure.

Fortunately, it is owned by Wicomico County. The county executive has stated his objective to develop the property as a community park.

Unfortunately, the executive has declared the county’s intention to demolish the home, citing “code deficiencies” and other problems that remain undefined.

Last fall I had the opportunity to spend a good amount of time in the house. I reviewed it not only from a historical perspective, but also from a professional perspective – I have during my career led studies for clients to determine whether it made financial sense to improve and convert older structures for re-use. I have also remodeled older homes in the past, so I also approached it from that view point.

In Wicomico County, many older houses like this do not meet current code, whether it be the energy usage, electrical, plumbing or heating codes – or the Americans with Disabilities Act, which is applied to public buildings only. These are not insurmountable obstacles, as folks who live in older homes know.

For its age, this house is in good shape – no excessive settlement, no water damage and a solid roof with walls and windows in good condition. I am not alone in this assessment.

Many citizens are questioning why the county would not first make an effort to begin to understand the potential financial advantages to re-using this structure. The county executive – on two occasions last year – proposed the same approach to West Salisbury Elementary School and the old Bennett Middle School structures.

Yet here, he appears unwilling to consider this home in the same light – or to initiate a study to objectively review and analyze it. Funds for such a study are available from the Maryland Historical Trust and other sources. It is possible Program Open Space funds could be requested for physical upgrades and volunteers who are experienced in house renovations have also expressed interest in assisting with labor.

This is a simple and inexpensive process: An architectural historian and other building professionals would analyze the condition of the house, then building contractors would budget the necessary improvements.

Pemberton Hall, Poplar Hill Mansion, Furnacetown and the Whitehaven Hotel, are similar examples of older structures or sites that have been renovated or restored. They now bring revenue to their jurisdictions and celebrate local heritage.

With five bedrooms, a kitchen and four large rooms on the first floor (which could be combined for larger gatherings), the house at Pirates Wharf could function both as a bed and breakfast (existing demand during the tourist season exceeds the available capacity in western Wicomico County) and a location for weddings, retreats and other gatherings.

A small portion of the site could be set aside for a “farming museum” – a time-honored livelihood and lifestyle that continues to drive the county’s economy today. Space for a nature study area and park offices could also be accommodated.

As a conference center, it would be something that is currently lacking in Wicomico County. Similar-size conference and retreat facilities include Redden Lodge in Georgetown and the lodge at Janes Island Park in Crisfield.

Neither of these can match the location or historic interest of Pirates Wharf.

And what is the historic return?

In itself, the house tells a story – a good story of which Shore residents are proud and is little told.

It has been working farm through the centuries with barns, a chickenhouse, summer kitchen, wharf and steamboats that was a stop for tuna boats from Portugal and barges, shad runs, rockfish, eagles, river otters. It featured prominently in the area’s truck farming activities and includes a family cemetery.

Funds have not been earmarked in this or next year’s county budget to develop this property into a park. There is time to consider the options objectively without rushing headlong for the bulldozers.

Wicomico County has been a good steward of history. We who are working to preserve this historic site urge the county executive and County Council to take necessary steps toward properly evaluating this house, as well as develop a comprehensive plan for Pirates Wharf as it begins moving toward park status.

To do less is to fail to serve the public interest, which should be considered a loss of a valuable historical, cultural and civic resource that ought to be preserved for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.

Brian Knode holds a degree in architecture and has a 35 year career in general contracting, construction management, and real estate land development. He has managed the evaluation process and advised clients on the re-use and re-purposing of existing structures, including a National Historic Register Manor House. He now lives in Wicomico County.