Paul Prager House stands as one of Annapolis’s most remarkable historic residences, perfectly blending early 20th-century charm with modern luxury. Located at 215 King George Street in Maryland’s capital, this stunning Dutch Colonial home tells a story that spans over a century. Much like other successful entrepreneurs who invest in historic properties, such as Jay Schottenstein, Prager has demonstrated how business success can fuel passionate preservation efforts.
Built in 1905 by Anne Jeffers, the first female State Librarian of Maryland, the property has undergone an incredible transformation under entrepreneur Paul Prager’s ownership. Since purchasing the home in 2017, Prager has invested millions in a meticulous restoration that respects the building’s historic character while adding contemporary conveniences.
The Paul Prager House now serves as a benchmark for historic preservation in one of America’s most storied neighborhoods, the National Historic Landmark District of Annapolis.
Who is Paul Prager?
Paul Prager has built his reputation as a successful entrepreneur and dedicated philanthropist with deep roots in Maryland’s Eastern Shore. His business empire centers around Beowulf Electricity & Data, a company that has grown significantly under his leadership. Prager’s estimated net worth ranges between $109 and $ 114 million as of 2025, making him one of Maryland’s most prominent business figures.
Beyond his corporate success, he’s become known for his passion for historic preservation and community development. His investments in Easton, Maryland, include the Prager Building, which houses his business headquarters, plus multiple restaurants, boutiques, and the Prager Family Center for the Arts.
Prager’s commitment to preserving Maryland’s architectural heritage shows through his careful restoration projects, with the Paul Prager House representing his most ambitious residential preservation effort. His approach combines respect for historical authenticity with modern living standards, creating spaces that honor the past while serving contemporary needs.
Paul Prager House & Location
The Paul Prager House occupies a prime spot at 215 King George Street in Annapolis’s prestigious National Historic Landmark District. This neighborhood has held landmark status since 1965, surrounding Prager’s home with other significant 18th to early 20th-century residences. The property sits near the famous William Paca and Hammond-Harwood Houses, placing it within a historically rich area that attracts visitors and history enthusiasts year-round.
Anne Jeffers originally built the home in 1905, bringing a unique perspective as the daughter of Commander Nicholson Jeffers III, a US Naval Academy graduate. The house started as a boarding establishment before converting to a single-family residence, reflecting the changing needs of Annapolis’s growing community.
The property’s location offers residents easy access to downtown Annapolis’s shops, restaurants, and waterfront activities while maintaining the quiet elegance of a historic residential district. The Paul Prager House benefits from its proximity to the Naval Academy, creating connections to military history and tradition that resonate throughout the neighborhood’s character.
Features of Paul Prager House
The Paul Prager House showcases an impressive array of features that blend historic charm with modern convenience:
- Three-story Dutch Colonial architecture with distinctive gambrel roof design
- Buckingham’s slate roof was professionally restored to its original specifications
- Gleaming white oak floors throughout the main living areas
- Custom three-floor cantilevered stairway featuring mahogany handrail craftsmanship
- Naval Academy insignia medallion embedded in the banister as a historic tribute
- Restored original windows and trim, maintaining period authenticity
- Red brick entrance steps with elegant black wrought-iron railings
- Dark gray wooden door framed by classic sidelights and transom lights
- Modernized kitchen with navy-blue cabinetry and period-appropriate lighting
- French doors open to a private brick patio and garden spaces
- Second-floor balcony accessible from the family room with neighborhood views
- Curated art collection spaces displaying original posters and military memorabilia
House Design and Style
The Paul Prager House exemplifies Dutch Colonial architecture at its finest, featuring the style’s signature gambrel roof with flared eaves that create distinctive visual appeal. The home originally stood two-and-a-half stories when Anne Jeffers built it in 1905, but early 20th-century modifications raised it to its current three-story height. This expansion maintained the architectural integrity while providing additional living space for modern families.
The exterior showcases classic Dutch Colonial elements, including slate shingles that have been meticulously restored to their original appearance. Architect Greg Wiedemann led the restoration process, working with Winchester Construction to maintain strict historic preservation standards throughout the project.
The design balances period authenticity with practical modern living requirements, creating spaces that feel both historically accurate and comfortably contemporary. The Paul Prager House demonstrates how thoughtful architectural planning can preserve historic character while accommodating today’s lifestyle needs, making it a model for similar restoration projects in historic districts.
Personal House Touches
Prager has infused the Paul Prager House with personal elements that reflect his interests and Maryland connections:
Military Heritage Connections:
- Naval Academy insignia medallion prominently displayed on the main staircase banister
- Military memorabilia collection thoughtfully integrated throughout living spaces
- Period pieces that honor the home’s connection to Commander Jeffers and Naval Academy history
Art and Collections:
- Original poster collection curated and displayed in custom gallery spaces
- Period furniture pieces that complement the home’s 1905 origins
- Maritime-themed artwork reflecting Annapolis’s waterfront culture
Interior designer Shaun Jackson worked closely with Prager to create spaces that tell personal stories while respecting the home’s historic significance. The design approach focuses on creating comfortable living areas that showcase Prager’s collections without overwhelming the architectural features. This careful curation of art and historic pieces echoes the sophisticated collecting approach seen in other notable residences, such as the Katharine Hepburn estate, where personal taste and historic preservation merge seamlessly.
Each room balances personal taste with period appropriateness, resulting in spaces that feel both lived-in and museum-quality. The Paul Prager House reflects Prager’s appreciation for craftsmanship, history, and attention to detail that extends throughout his business ventures and community investments.
Interior Design & Highlights
The interior of the Paul Prager House showcases exceptional craftsmanship and thoughtful design choices that honor the home’s history while providing modern comfort. The custom three-floor cantilevered stairway serves as the home’s centerpiece, featuring a mahogany handrail that demonstrates the quality of workmanship throughout the restoration. White oak floors flow seamlessly through the main living areas, providing a warm foundation that complements both historic and contemporary furnishings.
The kitchen transformation represents one of the most dramatic changes, converting the rear southwest room into a bright, functional space with navy-blue cabinetry that nods to Annapolis’s maritime heritage. Antique lighting fixtures throughout the home maintain period authenticity while providing adequate illumination for modern living.
French doors connect interior spaces to outdoor areas, creating a natural flow between the home’s formal rooms and casual outdoor entertaining spaces. Interior designer Shaun Jackson’s curation ensures that every piece of furniture and artwork contributes to the overall aesthetic while maintaining the Paul Prager House’s sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere.
Outdoor House Spaces
The outdoor areas of the Paul Prager House create private retreats that complement the historic interior spaces while providing modern entertainment opportunities. The brick patio accessible through French doors from the kitchen offers an intimate outdoor dining and relaxation space surrounded by carefully planned landscaping. The cloistered garden design provides privacy while maintaining the formal garden traditions common in early 20th-century residential planning.
The second-floor balcony, a modern addition to the historic structure, extends the family room into outdoor space while offering elevated views of the surrounding historic neighborhood. This balcony demonstrates how thoughtful additions can enhance historic properties without compromising their architectural integrity.
The garden spaces include plantings that reflect both period-appropriate choices and low-maintenance modern landscaping principles. These outdoor areas extend the Paul Prager House’s living space while providing connections to Annapolis’s garden and outdoor entertainment traditions. The combination of formal and casual outdoor spaces allows for everything from quiet morning coffee to larger social gatherings, making the property suitable for both daily living and special occasions.
Market Value and Comparisons
| Property Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Original Purchase Year | 2017 |
| Original Owner | Anne Jeffers (1905) |
| Estimated Current Value | $3-5 Million |
| Comparable Properties Range | $2-5 Million |
| Property Type | Historic Dutch Colonial |
| Lot Size | Standard historic district lot |
| Square Footage | Three stories (exact size not disclosed) |
The Paul Prager House represents a significant investment in both purchase price and restoration costs since Prager acquired it in 2017. While exact purchase and current market values remain private, comparable historic properties in Annapolis’s National Historic Landmark District typically command prices between $2 and $ 5 million, depending on size, condition, and provenance.
The extensive restoration work completed under Prager’s ownership has likely increased the property’s value substantially above typical market rates for similar homes. Properties with this level of restoration quality, combined with the home’s unique history and prime location, position the Paul Prager House at the upper end of the local luxury market.
The home’s association with Prager’s business success and community involvement adds additional value beyond its architectural and historical significance. Real estate experts suggest that meticulously restored historic properties in prestigious locations like King George Street often appreciate faster than typical residential real estate, making the Paul Prager House both a personal residence and a sound investment.
Other Houses Owned by Paul Prager
Paul Prager’s real estate portfolio extends well beyond the Paul Prager House to include several significant Maryland properties:
Maiden Point Farm:
- 250-acre estate located on the scenic Miles River
- Features: Tidewater Colonial main residence with period architecture
- Includes three separate guest cottages for visitors and extended family
- Contains 13 additional structures supporting farm and estate operations
The Prager Building:
- Historic downtown Easton property serving business headquarters
- Houses Beowulf Electricity & Data company operations
- Accommodates Bluepoint Hospitality business ventures
- Represents Prager’s commitment to downtown Easton revitalization
Maryland Farmland Holdings:
- Over 1,000 acres of productive agricultural land across Maryland
- Supports sustainable farming practices and land conservation
- Provides long-term investment and community benefit
Easton Historic Properties:
- Multiple restaurants and boutique establishments
- Prager Family Center for the Arts supports local cultural activities
- Various historic buildings repurposed for community and business use
This extensive portfolio demonstrates Prager’s commitment to Maryland’s Eastern Shore development while preserving the region’s historic character and agricultural heritage.
Conclusion
The Paul Prager House stands as a remarkable example of how historic preservation can create spaces that honor the past while serving contemporary needs. Paul Prager’s investment in this 1905 Dutch Colonial home demonstrates his commitment to Annapolis’s architectural heritage and community development.
The meticulous restoration completed with architect Greg Wiedemann and Winchester Construction has created a residence that serves as both a family home and a preservation model for other historic property owners. From the custom cantilevered stairway to the modernized kitchen and outdoor spaces, every element of the Paul Prager House reflects careful planning and quality craftsmanship.
The home’s location in the National Historic Landmark District ensures its continued protection while providing residents with access to Annapolis’s rich cultural and maritime heritage. As part of Prager’s broader real estate portfolio, the Paul Prager House represents his vision for preserving Maryland’s historic character while supporting economic development and community growth. Similar to other successful collectors and business leaders like Larry Gagosian, Prager has created a residence that showcases both personal passion and investment acumen.
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