1111 Light Street

At the intersection of four Baltimore streets, 1111 Light Street makes compelling use of its compact site, which spans less than an acre.

The development adds 93 apartments, office spaces, and street-level retail to Federal Hill, where century-old rowhouses line pedestrian-friendly streets. By connecting commercial corridors with residential blocks, the building strengthens the neighborhood's established pattern of mixed-use development.

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Design and Integration

The development's refined design aligns with the existing architectural fabric. Along Light Street, a four-story facade complements neighboring commercial buildings, while the Cross Street and William Street elevations feature three-story sections that mirror the surrounding rowhouses. The Weber Street side extends to six and seven stories, matching the height and scale of the Catholic Church across the way. The design achieves a notable technical feat: despite its substantial height on Weber Street, the taller residential section remains concealed when viewed from surrounding streets.

The project converts challenging site conditions into distinctive advantages. A 20-foot grade change across the property enabled the creation of two levels of structured parking without internal ramping—an effective solution that provides 103 parking spaces in a neighborhood where parking is limited.

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Amenities and Living Spaces

The residential portion comprises 93 apartment units, featuring clean lines that draw inspiration from the building's glass facade. Residents have access to a fitness center and an entertainment lounge that opens onto a landscaped terrace complete with a built-in bar and gas grills. The development's signature feature is its roof deck—the tallest private rooftop space in the area—offering panoramic views of Baltimore's Inner Harbor and cityscape.

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Mixed-Use Components

The development divides its spaces purposefully, with residential areas occupying 71.4 percent of the building's footprint (excluding parking). Commercial offices account for 21.5 percent, while retail spaces and the main lobby comprise 7.2 percent. The parking structure represents 27.4 percent of the total project area.

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Sustainable Design

1111 Light Street meets the Baltimore City Green Building Standard (BCGS) at the two-star level, equivalent to LEED Silver. The building's location earned a Walk Score of 98 out of 100, highlighting its exceptional pedestrian accessibility and reduced reliance on automobile transportation.

The development incorporates sustainable features including energy-efficient appliances, water-conserving fixtures, and individual unit sub-meters for precise energy usage monitoring. Both a white roof and vegetative roof help reduce ground-level heat accumulation. During construction, 75 percent of debris was diverted from landfills, and materials were sourced within a 500-mile radius to minimize transportation impact.

Interior spaces emphasize healthy living through the use of low or no-VOC paints, Green Label certified carpeting, and FloorScore-rated flooring. Every unit includes Energy Star-certified appliances and fixtures, demonstrating a commitment to resource conservation.

Through its accomplished design and integration of multiple uses, 1111 Light Street exemplifies how urban development can respect its historic context while incorporating sustainable practices.

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