ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today announced the anticipated re-opening of Old Ellicott City’s historic Caplan’s building on Saturday, November 1st as “The Market at Caplan’s.” Located at 8125 Main Street, The Market at Caplan’s is a local goods incubator and marketplace, designed to strengthen local supply chains, support makers, and bring new opportunities to small, Howard County-based businesses who may not have a physical storefront. The Market at Caplan’s serves as an innovative pilot for sustainable Main Street revitalization, connecting local growers, artisans, and small-scale manufacturers directly with residents and visitors while testing new models for community-based retail.
When we took on bringing the iconic Caplan’s building back to life, we sought to create a resilient community hub that could serve both our public and local entrepreneurs and small businesses. A key component of the broader effort of my Ellicott City Safe and Sound plan, 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.
The revitalization of the historic Caplan’s building is proof of what’s possible when we invest in the heart of our historic communities. We are proud to help bring this iconic building back to life as a launchpad for local entrepreneurs and small businesses. The Market at Caplan's will preserve Ellicott City’s heritage, create economic opportunity, and spark new innovation for generations to come.
The Market at Caplan’s will be open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., mirroring standard operating hours for many of Main Street’s businesses, and overseen by Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA). The building will feature products from small businesses and local entrepreneurs who are looking to bring their retail items to market and do not currently have a brick-and-mortar storefront presence. HCEDA will provide additional support to participating entrepreneurs and businesses, including marketing assistance and business education. Through these efforts, the Market at Caplan’s will support the growth and development of small retailers who contribute to Howard County’s economy.
“Caplan’s new retail incubator will give local makers and small businesses a chance to connect with customers and grow, especially during the holiday season, while adding to the vibrant mix of shops that make Main Street unique,” said Jennifer Jones, CEO, HCEDA.
“Caplan’s was built by workers for a working town. The Market at Caplan’s carries that spirit forward as a place where local growers and makers share their craft and stories, reconnecting Main Street with the people who sustain it. Our goal is to meet the everyday needs of those who live and work here while offering visitors a meaningful piece of Ellicott City’s history and community to take home,”” said Dr. Katie Kavanagh O’Neill, Project Director, The Market at Caplan’s. “This project is a living experiment in how Main Streets can evolve, rooted in history and powered by community.”
Caplan’s Facade Restoration
Following the recent devastating floods in 2011, 2016 and 2018, Howard County Government acquired 10 buildings on Lower Main Street, from the former Phoenix building at 8049 Main Street to Caplan's, in December 2018, after Ball became County Executive. Under Ball’s Ellicott City Safe and Sound plan, four of the 10 buildings from 8049 to 8055, 8059, and 8069, were deconstructed in early 2024 to remove constrictions above the stream channel, while the remaining six are being preserved and renovated, in order to be reoccupied in the future.
As part of the County’s commitment to both preservation and resilience, Caplan’s renovation balanced historic integrity with modern engineering solutions that protect the building and honor its original design. Like its five counterparts, the rear section of Caplan’s was removed as it had become structurally compromised by the 2018 flood. To accommodate its removal, the structure of the building was supplemented with a structural steel frame and cast in place concrete foundation, both to strengthen the existing building and support the new resilient facade that was designed to withstand the effects of flood waters.
Through the course of its design, the County strived to restore the building’s facade to be “as close as possible” to its original condition. These floodproofing measures ensure that Caplan’s remains resilient through future storms, serving as a model for preservation throughout Old Ellicott City. This included focusing on character-defining elements, including:
- Researching and selecting a storefront window system that capable of withstanding flood waters while maintaining the aesthetics of large span glazing.
- Reconstructing the transom windows through restoration of salvaged windows and fabricating new wood windows to match historic detailing.
- Salvaging original copper trim/fascia components and fabricating replacement components to match original.
- Reconstructing the terrazzo entryway, replicating the inlay detail and “Caplan’s” name plaque.
- Cleaning and replacing missing limestone on the façade using salvaged limestone from the former 8059 Main Street.
- Installing a new marble base below the storefront system to match original as closely as possible.
- Replacing the arched entryway ceiling with plaster.
- Restoring the original chandelier, power to the previously restored sign, and the original hardwood flooring on the second floor.
As Ball’s Ellicott City Safe and Sound Plan, which will minimize the town’s future flood risks, with the plan’s flood mitigation projects, launched and progresses, the County implemented floodproofing measures in Caplan’s project to protect the building. These flood prevention measures include:
- Wet floodproofing the building by incorporating flood vents in its perimeter walls and front doors that allow water to pass into the building in a flood event, equilibrizing the loads on the structure. Once the mitigation projects are complete, these flood vents can be removed and infilled as the building’s new facade is designed to withstand the anticipated lower water depths and velocities, allowing the building to operate as a dry floodproofed structure.
- Flood windows sourced from Fenex, a manufacturer of specialty window systems. The windows were installed by Guthrie Glass and Glazing, an experienced installer from New Jersey who has extensive experience in flood and hurricane window installations.
The first phase of the project was funded through a County Facilities Systemic Capital Project at a cost of $500,000. The remainder of the removal, stabilization, and reconstruction of the building’s facade were funded primarily through State assistance:
- Approximately $750,000 of a $5 million grant from Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Strategic Demolition Fund
- $500,000 from the Maryland Department of General Services’ Legislative Bond Initiative (Bond Bill)
Additionally, the County received a $300,000 Project Restore grant from DHCD to complete the interior renovation of Caplan's to re-open the building as a creative local marketplace.
Caplan’s initial stabilization and façade reconstruction was designed by Quinn Evans Architects and SGH, initial stabilization efforts were performed by Plano-Coudon, reconstruction efforts by Shade Construction, and its interior fit up was designed by the County’s Department of General Services, who served as the Construction Manager for all phases of construction.
Following its soft launch this fall, The Market at Caplan’s will continue to develop into a year-round marketplace that highlights local manufacturing and sustainable retail innovation.
History of the Caplan’s Building
In 1895, the Caplan family came to town and purchased a dry goods business. Known as a prominent merchant through town, the Caplan’s had two buildings demolished to make way for their new store at 8125 Main Street in 1926. Later referred to as a department store, Caplan’s Department Store at the time was revered for its large, modern windows and skylights. One of historic Ellicott City’s most iconic structures, future construction and renovation in town emulated the modern storefront of the building.
Caplan’s Department store closed in 1977, and the building housed several other mercantile occupancies, including a large antiques and furniture store. More recently and prior to the 2018 flood, the building housed a clothing store (Sweet Elizabeth Jane, now located on upper Main Street) and a fitness center.
Caplan’s legacy as a department store for working families continues in this next chapter, now as a marketplace celebrating the diverse hands and histories that make up modern Ellicott City.