Graduate Hotel
The Graduate Annapolis Hotel opened in October 2019 at the site of the former Loews Annapolis at 126 West Street in downtown Annapolis. The Annapolis property is the Graduate’s first Maryland Hotel. Guest rooms celebrate bayside style, Navy pomp and campus lore. Guests are invited to enjoy a cappuccino at Poindexter Coffee or enjoy fresh coastal eats and cocktails at Camp Severn Shore. The Chicago-based Adventurous Journeys Capital purchased the 215-room Loews in July 2018. Renovations to the property began in June 2019. Throughout the renovations period the property remained open, operating as the Hotel Annapolis.
Annapolis Library Branch
A new meeting place is coming to town – the Annapolis Library! Slated to open with a ribbon cutting on April 29, 2020, the 32,500 square foot, $24 million library is designed with gatherings in mind. It will include three meeting spaces, the largest of which can accommodate 200 individuals. There will also be a small conference room as well as six enclosed collaboration spaces, each furnished with a table and six chairs. Individuals will be encouraged to use the free spaces as study rooms, for business meetings, or to collaborate on projects. There will also be a large teen space and children’s area.
The new library will be a place to come and “be loud.” It won’t be a destination for quiet reflection – although there will be a quiet room. Instead, the library will be filled with the buzz of a host of programs – many of which will be held in the heart of the building. There’s even talk of hosting concerts there.
The new Annapolis library has been 20 years in the making from inception to reality. To serve the needs of the community during the Annapolis library rebuild, the Anne Arundel County Public Library began leasing space for a Discoveries library at Westfield Annapolis Mall in April 2018. Since that time, its program attendance numbers have exceeded those of any of the 16 library branches in the county. Because the location has been so successful, the county has approved funding to move the Discoveries library from its current 3,000 square-foot location to a 12,000 square-foot-space in the Crate and Barrell wing of the mall. The new space is slated to open by January 2020. Renderings and logo of the West Street library.
Dangerously Delicious Pies
West Street Annapolis is known for its Arts District funky feels, lively street festivals and out-of-the-box experiences. The energy continues to drive development in the corridor with new buildings, rebranding and new businesses. Now under construction, West141 boutique condos are designed to bring chic, low-maintenance living to the heart of West Street. Java and Jane opened at 218 West Street in April. It’s the first shop in Annapolis solely dedicated to the sale of cannabis and cannabis-infused products. Dangerously Delicious Pies is coming soon to 214 West Street. Rodney “The Pie Man” Henry (of the Glenmont Popes band) is dedicated to making only the best handmade pies in the most rock ‘n’ roll environment possible.
The Hall! at Live! Casino & Hotel
By year’s end 2019, Live! Casino & Hotel will be welcoming guests to The Hall at Live!, a new 75,000-square-foot, three-story, multi-use concert and event venue that will feature some of the nation’s best touring acts, comedians, championship boxing and other show-stopping entertainment. The 4,000-seat concert venue includes VIP boxes with plush seating and balcony views of the built-in performance stage that’s equipped with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems.
Featuring 40,000-square-feet of customizable space and banquet seating for up to 1,600, The Hall at Live! will be a logical choice for corporate retreats, meetings, weddings and other celebrations. The venue includes a lavish pre-function space and four breakout rooms within the Grand Ballroom. The contemporary and modern design includes reflective mirrored wall sconces, rich wood wall paneling, and life-size wall art.
A grand staircase and chandelier connects the lobby to the main entrance, which is steps away from the casino floor and the AAA Four Diamond-rated luxury accommodations of Live! Hotel. Perfect for corporate retreats and meetings, there are exciting activities for a variety of interests throughout the gaming and entertainment destination. It’s also ideal for bridal parties – since the bride can enjoy pampering in a Live! Spa Suite, while the groomsmen celebrate a pre-‘I Do’ cigar in the Orchid Gaming & Smoking Patio.
Finally, The Hall at Live! will be the host location for Anne Arundel County high school and college graduations, as well as community events, free of charge.
