Leaders Celebrate Opening of The Capitoline Center in Ellicott City

The $20 million project transforms the former Howard County courthouse into a hub for arts, culture and history.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Community members and officials gathered in Ellicott City, Maryland to celebrate the grand opening of The Capitoline Center, a new 80,000-square-foot community space that will house the Howard County Arts Council, the county's first Asian American and Pacific Islander Cultural Center, the Roving Radish program, and a Shared Commercial Kitchen. The $20 million project, funded by the county, state, and federal grants, repurposed the former Howard County Circuit Court courthouse into a center focused on arts, culture, and history.

Why it matters

The Capitoline Center represents a significant investment in preserving Ellicott City's historic landmarks while transforming them into modern, community-focused spaces. By combining multiple cultural and civic organizations under one roof, the center aims to increase tourism, support the local economy, and provide a hub for residents to gather, learn, and celebrate the area's diverse heritage.

The details

The Capitoline Center is located at the site of the former Howard County Circuit Court courthouse in historic Ellicott City. After the courthouse was relocated in 2021, the county surveyed the community and found widespread interest in repurposing the building into an expanded public space for arts, culture, civic, and food-related uses. In 2023, County Executive Calvin Ball announced the $20 million adaptive reuse project, which was funded through county, state, and federal sources.

  • The former Howard County Circuit Court courthouse closed in 2021.
  • In 2023, County Executive Calvin Ball announced the $20 million Capitoline Center project.
  • Construction on the Capitoline Center took nearly two years, with the grand opening celebration held on March 9, 2026.

The players

Calvin Ball

The Howard County Executive who announced and oversaw the Capitoline Center project.

Clarence Lam

A Maryland State Senator who spoke at the Capitoline Center grand opening, highlighting the center's role in celebrating the county's cultural diversity.

Christiana Rigby

The vice chair of the Howard County Council, who praised the Capitoline Center as a hub for arts, culture, and community.

Howard County Arts Council

The organization that will have its new headquarters located within the Capitoline Center.

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Cultural Center

The county's first cultural center for the AAPI community, which will be housed in the Capitoline Center.

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What they’re saying

“After nearly two years of construction, our vision of transforming this iconic landmark into a community-centered space has come to completion with the grand opening of Howard County's new The Capitoline Center.”

— Calvin Ball, Howard County Executive

“In a time when our values are being challenged, this new Capitoline Center--with timeless Greek facade and granite cupola--is a clear and resounding testament that in the face of adversity, we are proud of our cultural, heritage, history and diversity. That through arts and performances, and we welcome people of all colors and stripes across our community to come together at this location once again.”

— Clarence Lam, Maryland State Senator

“The Capitoline Center will serve as a hub for arts, culture and history in Howard County. It is a place where residents can gather, learn, create and celebrate together.”

— Christiana Rigby, Vice Chair, Howard County Council

What’s next

The Capitoline Center is expected to host a variety of arts, cultural, and community events in the coming months as it establishes itself as a new hub in Ellicott City.

The takeaway

The Capitoline Center's transformation of a historic courthouse into a modern, multi-purpose community space demonstrates Ellicott City's commitment to preserving its heritage while investing in the future. By bringing together diverse cultural organizations and programming under one roof, the center aims to foster greater unity, understanding, and appreciation for the area's rich history and vibrant present.