Building Back Better
Caplan’s Building
Caplan’s Building
After two devastating floods destroyed the historic Caplan's Building, we designed multiple interventions that improved its resilience to future flooding events while restoring the storefront to its original appearance. The result of our work is a renewed landmark that balances preservation and performance, safeguarding an important piece of Ellicott City’s history.
The efforts we have made to protect Caplan’s, both inside and out, are sure to continue to preserve the building's historical character for generations to come.
A Local Landmark
Caplan’s was originally built in 1926 as a department store. Its steel beam construction allowed for large, modern storefront windows, which were much admired and later emulated by other area businesses. While the building’s location at a turn in the street makes it a focal point on Main Street, it also makes it more vulnerable to damage from rushing floodwaters.
Flooded Twice
Downtown Ellicott City is situated at the confluence of three tributaries of the Patapsco River, with Main Street running parallel to the Tiber Branch. While the city has experienced many floods in its long history, flash floods in 2016 and 2018 were particularly destructive; each would have been considered a historic flood on its own—and each severely damaged the Caplan’s Building.
Strategic Demolition
The first phase of our work involved designing the removal of the rear portion of the building, which, like several of its neighbors, had been built out over the Tiber. Steel structure spanning the river was retained for extra support.
Improving the Storefront
Our design for the front of the building preserves the upper building fabric that remained intact. It incorporates salvaged wood transom windows, a more robust storefront window system with thicker mullions and glass, heavier entry doors with an improved seal, a new steel structure behind the façade, and strategically placed vents.
A New Chapter
As a symbol of Ellicott City, the reconstruction of Caplan’s was a priority project after the 2016 flood. The city acquired the building to ensure it would be properly preserved and continue to contribute to Main Street’s character. Almost 10 years after the flood, the building reopened as The Market at Caplan’s, a retail outlet for local goods from small businesses.
