Ellicott City post office purchase complete

Howard County has completed the purchase of the post office on Main Street in Ellicott City, but the conversion of the first floor into expanded space for the county's tourism operation may be delayed for months.

In the meantime, county tourism programs will continue to operate from the building's basement, with the entrance at the rear.

"We have to do some minor modifications, but there's no plan yet," said James M. Irvin, the county public works director. "It's kind of up in the air at this point."

The $640,000 purchase was announced one year ago, but the settlement was delayed pending completion of an inspection of the stone structure, which was built in 1940.

The building, at 8267 Main St., is on the Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties and is one of Preservation Howard County's top 10 endangered sites.

Tourism Director Rachelina Bonacci said the acquisition will provide more space for displays and historical interpretation exhibits.