Prosper on Fayette

In Baltimore's Market Center Historic District, brick, limestone, and terra cotta details of an 1894 bank building merge with contemporary construction at Prosper on Fayette. The historic Drovers and Mechanics National Bank Building—vacant from 1993 until this project—pairs with new architecture that steps down 20 feet across the sloping site. The project adds apartments, a hotel, and street-level retail to the district, continuing the area's evolution.

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Historic and Contemporary Design

The project preserved 63 percent of the bank building while adding complementary architecture. The complex contains 181 market-rate residential apartments specifically designed for UMB graduate students and young professionals. The 150-room Springhill Suites hotel occupies both the restored bank building and portions of the new structure. The bank's original concrete and steel interior framework provided an adaptable shell for current amenities, while its grand two-story lobby retains its historic elegance. Throughout the interior, design details reflect both Mount Vernon's architectural refinement and Baltimore's industrial heritage—exposed concrete and ductwork harmonize with custom metalwork that incorporates building systems into the aesthetic.

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Location and Accessibility

One block from the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) and its Medical Center, Prosper on Fayette places residents steps from Baltimore's Central Business District. The site scores high marks for transportation: 99 for walking, 100 for transit, and 77 for biking. Cultural destinations surround the building, including the Hippodrome Theater, Baltimore Arena, Camden Yards, and the renovated Lexington Market.

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Sustainable Design

The project exceeds International Green Construction Code requirements. Green roofs cover 88 percent of the site, managing over half the stormwater onsite. Water-efficient landscaping cuts outdoor usage by more than 50 percent, while EPA WaterSense fixtures reduce indoor consumption by 76 percent. Floor-to-ceiling windows in 95 percent of occupied spaces minimize artificial lighting needs. Efficient HVAC systems and lighting design surpass International Energy Conservation Code minimums by more than ten percent.

Native and climate-appropriate plants create habitats for local wildlife and migratory species across the site's green areas. These plantings capture carbon, manage stormwater, and reduce urban heat effects. Full cut-off exterior lighting minimizes light pollution, while the building's design protects residents from street noise while maximizing natural light and views.

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Interior Design and Amenities

The first residential level opens to an outdoor terrace with city views. Floor-to-ceiling windows fill rooms with natural light, while wood and brick elements extend from exterior to interior. A mix of refined details and industrial elements—exposed concrete, ductwork, and sprinklers—honors Baltimore's manufacturing legacy. The 120 structured parking spaces serve both residential and hotel uses.

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Community Integration

Collaboration with the Baltimore Public Markets Corporation and Baltimore Development Corporation improved the Marion Street corridor between Prosper on Fayette and Lexington Market. Ground-level retail wraps around the south and west facades, activating the streetscape. These coordinated improvements strengthen connections throughout the Market Center Historic District while preserving its character.

The project demonstrates how architecture can reinvigorate underused urban sites while preserving historic character and meeting current needs.