Downtown in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Equitable Building
— Baltimore National Heritage Area —
The Equitable Building, designed in 1889 in the Richard-son-Sullivan tradition by Charles L. Carson and Joseph Evans Sperry, was considered the first skyscraper to be erected in Baltimore. It is the oldest of the existing structures in Monument Square and once featured Turkish baths in the basement and a garden on the roof. Following the "cage form" of construction, a network of cast-iron columns and steel girders supported the floor loads and interior of the building, while the exterior walls were entirely self-supporting.
During the Great Fire of 1904, much of the interior was damaged. The exterior walls, however, emerged relatively unscathed, and the building was immediately reconditioned by the owners.
Formerly on this site, from 1825 to 1889, stood Barnum's City Hotel, internationally renowned for elegant accommodations, gracious service and excellent cuisine-including the famous diamondback terrapins which were exercised daily in the courtyard before being condemned to dinner.
In 2015, the Equitable Building was converted from office space to residential apartments, responding to an increase in demand for housing in downtown Baltimore.
Erected 2015 by Baltimore Investment Associates, Sponsor; City of Baltimore, William Donald Schaeffer,
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Maryland, Baltimore City historical markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1889.
Location. 39° 17.425′ N, 76° 36.749′ W. Marker is in Baltimore, Maryland. It is in Downtown. Marker is at the intersection of North Calvert Street (Maryland Route 2) and East Fayette Street, on the left when traveling north on North Calvert Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 26 N Calvert St, 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. The Battle Monument (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The Battle Monument (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The Battle Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Discover Baltimore: The Monumental City (within shouting distance of this marker); The Munsey Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Post Office (within shouting distance of this marker); Baltimore City Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); The Lenore (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baltimore.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker, which had a slightly different inscription.
Photographed By NY Art Pub. Co., 1892
3. The Equitable Building
1892
1892
Credits. This page was last revised on December 14, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 8, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 58 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 8, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on October 11, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.
