Downtown in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The Lenore

Baltimore Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

Photographed By Don Morfe, February 20, 2017

1. The Lenore Marker

Inscription.
Rising ten stories in the heart of the city’s judiciary district, the Lenore not only exhibits impressive architecture but is also linked to the nation’s banking history. Now an apartment building, the Lenore was once home to the Baltimore Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond.

The building’s design was inspired by an Italian Renaissance palazzo, a unique architectural style in Baltimore. Granite, limestone carvings, and arched windows grace the exterior of the first floor and are evocative of the Second Renaissance Revival style popular in the early 1900s. The exterior also reflects an attention to security, also common in bank architecture.

The interior possesses a grandeur, magnificence of scale, and rich detailing, including marble floors, richly detailed bronze work, and a coffered ceiling.

Below the opulent banking hall lies two large vaults and various compartments where money was stored and worn currency was destroyed. A tunnel, since blocked off, secretly connected the bank with the city’s post office across the street.

The Baltimore architectural firm Parker, Thomas, and Rice designed the 1926 structure, which originally rose to six stories. In 1956, the building was expanded; the top two stories were removed and an additional six stories were added. The distinctive top stories are simpler

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and modernistic. While harmonizing with the first floor, the austerity in design of the top floors provides an interesting juxtaposition in architectural styles.

After Baltimore’s Federal Reserve branch moved to new space near Camden Yards, the building served as a consumer and commercial bank. In 2014, the former bank was converted into an apartment building with 102 units.

Baltimore City Landmark (Designated 1986), National Register of Historic Places (Listed 1983), Baltimore National Heritage Area.

Erected by Klein Enterprises, Sponsor, Catherine E. Pugh, Mayor.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1926.

Location. 39° 17.476′ N, 76° 36.755′ W. Marker is in Baltimore, Maryland. It is in Downtown. Marker is at the intersection of Lexington Street and Calvert Street on Lexington Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Baltimore MD 21202, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Baltimore City Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Discover Baltimore: The Monumental City (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Post Office (within shouting distance of this marker); The Battle Monument (within shouting

The Lenore-Front Door image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Don Morfe, February 25, 2017

2. The Lenore-Front Door

distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Battle Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Battle Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); The Equitable Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Cecilius Calvert (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baltimore.

The Lenore Building next to the Baltimore Court House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Don Morfe, February 25, 2017

3. The Lenore Building next to the Baltimore Court House

Credits. This page was last revised on April 17, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 23, 2017, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 465 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 23, 2017, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 2, 3. submitted on February 25, 2017, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.