In late 2025, the Durable Restoration team began masonry and roofing work at Reynolds Tavern, one of Annapolis’s most enduring landmarks. Built around 1747 by William Reynolds, the building began as a combined residence and shop, with Reynolds operating his hatmaking workshop in the basement and a general store above.
Because of its central location on Church Circle, the tavern quickly became a gathering place in the decades before the American Revolution. Members of the Sons of Liberty met here, making the building an important early site of political discussion and organizing. Over time, it served many roles in the community, including periods as a boarding house, a tavern, the Annapolis City Bank, and even an Annapolis city library.
Despite these changes, much of its eighteenth-century character remains, and it continues to welcome visitors as a tearoom and inn. With this project, our focus is on preserving the historic masonry and rooflines that have defined this structure for nearly 280 years.
Slate Work
The Durable crew will remove slate in affected areas, carefully salvaging material for reinstallation. For damaged pieces that are unsalvageable, new or reclaimed slates that match the existing materials in size, thickness, and color will be installed.
We will also conduct general slate repairs across the entire roof, replacing approximately 100 slates using a compatible blend of Vermont Black, Dover Black, Peach Bottom, and Buckingham Slates. Copper slate hooks and bibs will be utilized.
Flashings
Deteriorated copper flashings, underlayments, and related components will be removed. New 20-ounce copper step, apron, and valley flashings will be installed. All fasteners will be corrosion-resistant copper or stainless steel.
Visit https://reynoldstavern.org for more information.
