"The Inn Crowd: Early American Inn Rehabilitation as Local Economic Development Engines in the Chesapeake."

This thesis provides a historical analysis of inns in the Chesapeake from their eighteenth-century founding through to their economic revitalization in the twenty-first century and demonstrates that the adaption of a historic building to their original purpose can contribute to the economic development of a city. Three inn structures in Annapolis, Maryland and one in Williamsburg, Virginia serve as case studies of taverns and inns that were constructed in the eighteenth-century and survive in operation today in their original capacity. All four are buildings are still “in service” for their commercial purpose and active on tax rolls. The inns provide evidence of preservation options for eighteenth-century inn and tavern structures to be adapted over time to continue to operate as active hospitality venues. The role of urban inns and taverns in Virginia and Maryland is examined from the eighteenth century to the present. The impact of the urban form and British origins of the inns is also considered. In Annapolis, the Maryland Inn and Governor Calvert House operate as boutique inns today for guests visiting the capital and the Middleton Tavern is a functioning restaurant. The Market Square Tavern in Williamsburg is owned by Colonial Williamsburg and has been restored for guests to stay on Duke of Gloucester Street. Tracing the adaptation and economic impact of these inns as profitable hospitality venues shows the local economic impact of historic preservation that value use. This study also reveals the power of developer’s vision and resources when combined with a preservation organization’s guidance.