Annapolis Marine Art Gallery will close its Dock Street storefront by the end of 2026 after nearly 50 years. Co-owner Samantha Wilkerson blames prolonged City Dock construction, falling revenue and sharply reduced pedestrian traffic, as reported by Baltimore Chronicle.
The original WMAR-2 News report details complaints from Wilkerson about the project. The gallery will not disappear completely. It plans to continue selling marine artwork online after closing its physical location.
City Dock construction hits Dock Street businesses
Construction expanded along Dock Street as part of Annapolis’ major waterfront resilience project. Wilkerson said businesses initially lost between 20% and 50% of revenue.
She now says the gallery has suffered even deeper losses. CBS Baltimore previously reported that its revenue had fallen by more than 70%.
Several factors have affected the business:
- construction fencing has reduced storefront visibility;
- nearby parking has disappeared;
- pedestrian traffic has declined;
- access to the waterfront has changed.
“How do you put businesses behind fencing and expect them to continue on?” Wilkerson told WMAR.
The problems extend beyond one gallery. Other Dock Street businesses have also reported substantial revenue declines during construction.
What happens to Annapolis Marine Art Gallery
The key dates and changes show how the closure developed.
| Detail | Status |
|---|---|
| Gallery location | Dock Street, Annapolis |
| Operating history | Since 1978 |
| Storefront closure | By the end of 2026 |
| Main cited problem | City Dock construction |
| Future format | Online sales |
| Wider project schedule | Work continues into 2028 |
The gallery has occupied its City Dock location for about 48 years. Its owners purchased the business in 2022.
Customers will still be able to buy artwork online. The closure instead ends the gallery’s decades-long physical presence on the Annapolis waterfront.
Why Annapolis is rebuilding City Dock
The construction is designed to protect downtown Annapolis from recurring flooding. It also includes new waterfront public spaces and infrastructure.
Official Annapolis City Dock construction updates show work continuing through multiple phases. Phase 2 is currently scheduled from May 2027 through March 2028.
The city says Dock Street businesses should remain accessible during construction. Its project information also promises customer wayfinding and continued pedestrian access.
That official position contrasts sharply with Wilkerson’s experience. She says fencing, reduced parking and weaker foot traffic made continued operation financially impossible.
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