Annapolis Market House Reopens
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- A Maryland landmark reopened Monday. The cloud over Market House at City Dock in Annapolis appears to have lifted.
Pat Warren reports vendors and customers look forward to smooth sailing.
Standing room only but no standing on ceremony as Market House in Annapolis welcomed opening day customers.
"That's good," said customer Pat Warfield.
It's music to the ears of Pit Boys Oyster and Raw Bar.
"They came to us and wanted us to open at the Market House and we said, why not?" said David George.
Myra's Popcorn Kitchen didn't wait to be asked.
"I called them. When, where, how? What do I need to do?" said Myra Weston.
And it appears to be an equally easy sell for customers.
"I like it, I like it. I was missing something down here and now having a little more variety, I think, is a good thing," said customer Earl Adams.
This re-opening marks a new beginning for Market House after extended problems with plumbing, air conditioning and legal disputes. It became an issue in the Annapolis mayoral race. Located on the waterfront, Annapolis missed a premier tourist attraction and the ringing of cash registers.
"It's not just an economic driver for downtown. It's really one of the things that define who we are as a community," said Mayor Joshua Cohen.
The emphasis now is to keep it going, with newcomers like Wimsey Cove selling the work of local artists and old-timers like Chick & Ruth's Delly offering variety.
"The market should be here no matter what's in it. It should be a lot of food and a lot of good fun for people," said Ted Levitt, Chick & Ruth's Delly.
It's still a work in progress, but if Monday is any indication, Market House is about to give the community and the economy a boost.
Market House first opened in Annapolis in 1788. The current building was built in 1856 and renovated in 1972.
