The Lenore

In Baltimore's central business district, where grand financial institutions once shaped the city's future, a 1926 Federal Reserve Bank building has found a new purpose. Named for Edgar Allan Poe's haunting poem, The Lenore now houses 102 luxury lofts and flats within its Renaissance Revival walls. The transformation of this 134,000-square-foot landmark speaks to downtown Baltimore's evolution, creating sophisticated urban residences for professionals from nearby hospitals and businesses who seek to make their home in the heart of the city.

Merging Historical Architecture with Present-Day Design

The renovation team approached the project with a clear goal: to celebrate the building's Renaissance Revival architecture while introducing new elements that create a harmonious balance between historical and current styles. This approach is most dramatically expressed in the building's double-height lobby, where an oversized feature wall serves as both a striking focal point and support for the reception desk. The wall, composed of sculptural panels and glass cylindrical lighting, creates a compelling contrast against the preserved ornate plaster ceilings and Corinthian marble columns.

Preservation and Restoration

The renovation process involved detailed restoration of the building's historic elements, reversing changes from a 1982 renovation. The team uncovered and restored original marble flooring that had been hidden beneath carpet, cleaning and preserving the existing stone, plaster ceilings, and brass details—including the former bank's gun turret. Original marble bank tellers' counters were repositioned along the lobby entry walls, while wood paneling from upper floors was repurposed to create feature walls in the loft apartments. The historic boardroom was converted into a community lounge space. Outside, the building's stone exterior and brass entry door underwent comprehensive cleaning, with the door restored to working condition and windows repaired for improved weatherproofing.

Amenities for Urban Living

Recognizing the preferences of young professionals in Baltimore's business district, The Lenore offers an array of amenities. The building features an iPad bar, cyber lounge, community lounge, and fitness center. The design team created an unexpected outdoor space by utilizing an unused portion of the building footprint. This solution, tucked between The Lenore and an adjacent building, gives residents a private outdoor lounge complete with a grilling area and a gated dog park—a distinctive urban sanctuary in the city center.

Environmental Responsibility and Historic Preservation

The Lenore demonstrates commitment to both environmental sustainability and historic preservation. This dual approach maintains the building's historic character while meeting current environmental standards, offering a blueprint for sustainable urban development that respects architectural heritage.

This adaptive reuse project shows how historic architecture can be adapted for contemporary urban living while preserving the elements that make these buildings architecturally significant. Through considered design decisions and practical space utilization, The Lenore creates a residential experience that balances preservation with the demands of present-day city living.