The rehabilitation of the Old Towson Jail into an office building was honored by the Maryland Historical Trust last week as part of the organization's 2012 Maryland Preservation Awards
The rehabilitation of the historic jail, now known as Bosley Hall, was cited as, "an outstanding example of a public/private partnership undertaken by the Baltimore County government."
The trust gave the project its award under Preservation Partnerships, and noted the collaboration of Baltimore County government; developer Towson Jail Associates, which was created for the rehabilitation project; Azola & Associates Inc.; and others for the project.
The Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks intended to spend $700,000 to stabilize and mothball the landmark building when it received a proposal from Towson Jail Associates to lease the property, and rehabilitate and operate the building as offices.
The county agreed to the plan, and Towson Jail Associates embarked on a rehabilitation of the building which preserved historic features, added state-of-the-art technology, and utilized sustainable building practices.
The 160-year-old, three-story building, on the corner of Bosley Avenue and Towsontown Boulevard, was converted into office suites and opened in February 2011.
"The ... landmark was ... renamed Bosley Hall, in honor of the Towson physician who originally donated the land for the jail building and courthouse."
The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Overall, the historical trust selected 14 projects statewide to receive recognition as part of its 2012 awards. The awards were presented on Jan. 31 in Annapolis.
"Each award highlights an important and unique aspect of historic preservation, and the important and powerful ways that historic places can impact our lives and communities" said Harrison Wetherill Jr., of Annapolis, chairman of the trust's board of trustees.