Department of Legislative Services Annapolis State Government Complex

In March 2019, the MSA Board of Directors approved a request from the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House to manage all design and construction for the replacement of the Department of Legislative Services (DLS) building and renovation of the connected underground tunnels located in the Annapolis State Government Complex.

The highly visible project was located on Lawyers Mall between Government House, the official residence of the Governor, the State House and nearby Senate and House offices. The original building space and configuration could no longer support the growing staff needs in addition to the challenges of maintaining facility equipment and infrastructure that was beyond its useful life. Demolition of the DLS building structure to grade was completed in October 2022 with demolition to building foundations completed by March 2023.

MSA, the DLS, the Maryland Department General Services, and the City of Annapolis collaborated, coordinated, and communicated throughout the project. These agencies hosted virtual meetings with updates and published community newsletters to keep neighbors and visitors informed. MSA’s work took place during normal business hours.

In September 2023, MSA’s project construction partner, the Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, hosted a topping out ceremony. In building construction, a topping out is traditionally held when the last beam (or its equivalent) is ceremonially placed atop a structure during its construction. MSA was delighted that State leadership joined us for the momentous occasion.

The new four story Georgian Revival style building blends in with the historic neighborhood. The interior spaces provide modern, fully accessible, sustainable and adaptable workspaces for the DLS team, visiting state officials, legislative staff and constituents. The building was designed to maximize daylight into working and meeting spaces while providing views of Annapolis. The three pedestrian tunnels that connect the DLS building to the State House, Senate and House buildings received much needed upgrades. 

The centerpiece of the new building is the 5,000 square foot Joint Hearing Room, just off the main entrance at Lawyer’s Mall. The amphitheater style room, complete with stadium seating, three video screens, state-of-the-art audio-visual systems, can accommodate 300 all under a stunning stained glass domed ceiling.

The LEED silver compliant building also has a 6,000 square foot green roof with planting beds that include native flowers, plants, trees, shrubs and groundcover for beautification and preventing environmental run-off.

The project achieved Substantial Completion in December 2024. MSA, our project partners, stakeholders, and state agencies, gathered for the DLS Annapolis State Government Complex ribbon-cutting ceremony with State leadership at the beginning of the 2025 legislative session. 

Maryland Stadium Authority Community Newsletters 
Volume 28, August 1, 2024
Volume 29, September 1, 2024

Department of Legislative Services Building Video
Demolition and Construction Time-Lapse Video

State Capitol Complex Coordinated Construction
MSA, Department of General Services, City of Annapolis Presentation - Community Outreach - March 15, 2022

Department of Legislative Services Building
Design Presentation - Community Outreach - September 29, 2021 

Question, comment or feedback about the Maryland Stadium Authority's Department of Legislative Services Annapolis State Government Complex Project? Please complete this form and a member of our project team will respond promptly https://forms.gle/qjE43dxaxNzsyyH29