Preservation Alliance of Baltimore County is happy to announce the preservation of the old Perry Hall School – known by many as the Annex – as a County Historic Landmark. The Kraus family, which now owns the property, have renovated and repurpose the building, and Councilman David Marks strongly supported the nomination, which was researched and written by Towson University intern Andrew Jenkins.
The Kraus family, longtime residents of Perry Hall, who were represented in this acquisition by Kathy Townsend of Cummings and Company Commercial, plan to lease the building to a business that will serve the needs of the community.
Built around 1925, it embodied the European Movement and the International Style of architecture for institutional buildings. The structure housed students until Baltimore County Public Schools opened the current elementary school in 1956. It was also used to house students during several periods of overcrowding in the 1970s, earning the name “the Perry Hall Annex.” Most recently, it has been owned and operated by Catholic Charities of Baltimore as the Gribbin Center, serving those with developmental disabilities
“We welcome the opportunity to support efforts in preserving one of Perry Hall’s most stately an historic buildings so its history can become an integral part of the lives of present and future generations of Perry Hall residents,” commented Mr. Wayne Kraus.
Many thanks again to the Kraus family and Councilman Marks, this preserves a key part of Perry Hall history.
Photo L-R: Maryland State Senator Kathy Klausmeier; members of the Kraus family; Anne Gryczon, executive director of Preservation Alliance of Baltimore County; Wayne Kraus; and Baltimore County Councilman David Marks
