Downtown in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Continental Trust Building
Photographed By Christopher Busta-Peck, March 12, 2008
1. Continental Trust Building Marker
The Continental Trust Building, constructed in 1902, is the only building in Baltimore designed by Daniel H. Burnham, a major figure in the Commercial Style that developed in Chicago at the turn of the century and produced the American skyscraper. Burnham's notable works include a number of office buildings in Chicago, the Flatiron Building in New York, Union Station in Washington, D.C., and the 1909 civic improvement plan for Chicago, a landmark in the development of modern city planning. The interior of this "completely fireproof," 16-story building burned like a torch during the Baltimore fire of 1904. Here the fire reached its hottest point - approximately 2,500°F - and the skyscraper flamed inside from top to bottom.
The exterior, however, survived the fire intact and the building became an object of study among architects and engineers. The major alterations to the building since the Fire was the unfortunate removal of most of its cornice and frieze. The original appearance of the building is shown here.
Erected by the City of Baltimore, Geller Associates, sponsor and William
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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 1902.
Location. 39° 17.356′ N, 76° 36.742′ W. Marker is in Baltimore, Maryland. It is in Downtown. Marker is at the intersection of North Calvert Street (Maryland Route 2), on the right when traveling north on North Calvert 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. The Banking House of Alexander Brown & Sons (within shouting distance of this marker); Discover Baltimore’s Changing Skyline (within shouting distance of this marker); The Lovely Lane Meeting House (within shouting distance of this marker); Wendel Bollman (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Munsey Building (about 300 feet away); The Garrett Building (about 400 feet away); The Equitable Building (about 400 feet away); The Battle Monument (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baltimore.
Photographed By Christopher Busta-Peck, March 12, 2008
2. Marker location
Marker is to the right of the door.
Photographed By Christopher Busta-Peck, March 12, 2008
3. Continental Trust Building
Credits. This page was last revised on August 28, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 22, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,440 times since then and 85 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 22, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio.
