Downtown in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Equitable Building
Photographed By Christopher Busta-Peck, March 12, 2008
1. The Equitable Building Marker
This building, designed in 1889 in the Richardson-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 on 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, must 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 Hote, internationally renowned for elegant accomodations, gracious service and excellent cuisine - including the famous diamondback terrapins which were exercised daily in the courtyard before being condemned to dinner.
Erected by the City of Baltimore, Baltimore Investment Associates, sponsor and William Donald Schaefer, mayor.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce
this page online
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 39° 17.425′ N, 76° 36.745′ W. Marker was in Baltimore, Maryland. It was in Downtown. Marker was 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 was 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 location. A different marker also named The Equitable Building (here, next to 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); The Munsey Building (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); Baltimore City Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baltimore.
Related marker.
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, September 27, 2015
2. The Equitable Building Marker
Photographed By Christopher Busta-Peck, March 12, 2008
3. The Equitable Building
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, September 27, 2015
4. Construction of the Equitable Building, 1893
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, September 27, 2015
5. •Anno•Domini•MDCCCXCI•
1891
1891
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, September 27, 2015
6. The Equitable Building
12 North Calvert Street
12 North Calvert Street
Photographed By NY Art Pub. Co., 1892
7. The Equitable Building
1892
1892
Credits. This page was last revised on September 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 22, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,226 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 22, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. 2. submitted on October 11, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 3. submitted on March 22, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on October 11, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.
