Built in the 1800s, this historic home on Solomons Island once served as housing for workers of the Isaac Solomons Oyster Cannery, a vital part of the island’s post–Civil War economy. Today, it stands as one of the few remaining residences from that era; a quiet witness to generations of change along the Patuxent River.
After the cannery closed, the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory (CBL) began expanding in the early 1900s, eventually growing around the home and acquiring the property. Over time, the house was used as office space, but years of wear left it in poor condition. Faced with the choice to demolish or restore, CBL chose a more thoughtful path, one that preserved history while meeting modern needs.
The renovation began with a full gut of the building, revealing remarkably sound original framing. Necessary repairs were made, while outdated and poorly constructed elements—including unused chimneys, an exterior basement stair, and a later addition—were carefully removed.
In place of the demolished addition, a new two-story exterior porch was constructed, complete with a ramp and stair to provide ADA-compliant access to the first floor and egress from the second floor. This solution allowed the original interior staircase to remain intact, preserving a key historic feature.
The exterior transformation balances durability with historic character. New windows, doors, siding, and trim were installed, along with embossed metal roof shingles that offer a historically inspired appearance while providing a low-maintenance solution for the future. The rebuilt front porch further reinforces the home’s original charm.
Inside, the layout was reimagined to create an open, light-filled environment. The central staircase and entry were opened up to form a welcoming entry and staff break room, along with four offices and a new restroom on the first floor. On the second floor, walls and a steep attic stair were removed to open the staircase and allow natural light to flow through a new hallway connecting three offices, a restroom, and a new second-floor deck overlooking the river.
Throughout the building, new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, along with updated insulation and finishes, bring modern comfort and efficiency to the historic structure proving that old buildings can meet contemporary standards without losing their soul.
Rather than being dismantled and forgotten, this historic “old lady” has returned to her former glory—stronger, brighter, and ready to serve the staff and faculty of the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory once again. From her beautiful perch on Solomons Island, she’s prepared to witness the next hundred-plus years of change along the Patuxent River.
