1882
Frank B. Mayer
Improvements
 State House
    and Grounds

Annapolis, 26th June 1882
To the Honble Board of Public Works -

Gentlemen,
    The problem to be solved in the proposed im-
provement of the grounds surrounding the State-
-House is to so arrange them that (1st) they
may contribute to the architectural effect of grandeur,
and (2nd) afford natural and easy access to the
building and through the grounds to the public.
        To effect these objects I beg leave
to offer these suggestions and to submit the
accompanying plans, with specifications and proposals on
the part of Mr. Milton E. Faul and myself.

I propose 1st to remove entirely the narrow pavement
adjoining the grounds and to extend the opposite
pavement where practicable to the with of twelve
feet (12 feet) - The walks within the grounds as
shown in plan render useless the present pavement
adjoining the grounds -
2nd - The removal of the present Iron-railing, (which
Mr. Faul affords to purchase), and the removal and rebuilding
of a portion of present wall bounding the grounds so
as to include between it & pavement, at widest
part, a roadway or street twenty four (24) feet wide-
This will add some seventy (70) to extent
of grounds in front of Land office -
For paving street and altering grade near Governor's
gate we offer proposal-

It is proposed to leave gates and steps as they
are at Francis St. & on South side of State House -
3rd - The plan & elevation submitted for improvement within
the grounds are based on the ultimate completion
of the State House as proposed by us ut are equally
applicable to its present state -
As the erection of a new portico is an important
element in this plan one is suggested on conformity
with the original style (English Palladian) of the
building -
It is proposed to retain the Fountain on South
side as it is (or eventually improved by a more
elegant fountain & possible smaller basin) and
to make the Taney statue the central point
(in fact or in attraction) of a terrace of fifty feet
(50 ft) radius in front of State House, to
be reached from Francis Street by a gradual
ascent to two flights of steps (6 or 8) at either
side- To be marked by piers? in brick with stone
Caps to be eventually ornamental with large vases
The front of terrace to be bounded by an open work
wrought-iron railing between stone piers? or continuous.
The effect of the terrace and the ornamented landing
of the steps is in conjunction with portico, to give a
base to the State House and increase the grandeur
of effect by an apparent increase in the width
and height of the edifice - This plan
is in conformity with the highest precedents
in this style of architecture and is a develop-
ment in strict conformity to good taste
and the peculiarities of style & situation -
    The terrace will give grandeur and spaciousness
 and add to the dignity of the State's Capitol
It will afford an impressive view of the building
and dome, the statue can be seen to the best
advantage and will command a view of the
Governor's House and distance in other directions
    In conjunction with the upper story of the portico
it might afford a fine space for public meetings
and speaking-
4th  It is proposed to open avenues or walks towards the
governor's House, St. John's College, the Naval
Academy and East St. and to lay out  these
walks in conformity to the needs of the people
and the paths demanded by public convenience-
5th It is proposed to mass the foliage in such groups
as may further assist the architectural effect
of the building-
 By reference to the drawings the above ideas will
be better understood-
[signed]                            Frank B. Mayer
                                    Annapolis June 26th 1882

The accompanying specifications and proposals
are respectfully submitted ______ I beg leave to
to state that Mr Faul who is assistant
engineer of the Parks of Baltimore and
whose father has been the designer and
director of all the improvements in the
Parks since their inaugmentation -Mr Faul's
experience & reputation entitle his proposals
to the greatest consideration -
    Should my plan be adopted, no matter by
whom executed, I am prepared to furnish
the detail drawing and to supervise the
execution of the work -
                        Very respectfully,
[signed]                Frank B. Mayer

Annapolis 29 June 1882