Miller's Court

Faced with the challenge of attracting and retaining teaching talent, Baltimore found an unexpected answer in a 19th-century industrial building. Miller's Court, converted from an 1874 American Can Company manufacturing facility, has emerged as a mixed-use development specifically serving educators new to the city through its thoughtful combination of housing and community spaces.

Building for Community

The renovation created 40 loft-style residences designed with teachers in mind, including Teach for America participants. Beyond just providing housing, Miller's Court creates a supportive community environment where educators can collaborate and connect. Shared amenity spaces, including a teachers' resource center, and an exterior courtyard facilitate informal mentoring and professional networking among residents.

Purposeful Integration

The development pairs residential spaces with 30,000 square feet of office space dedicated to nonprofit organizations, creating a unique ecosystem that bridges education and community impact. This intentional mix of uses helps anchor teachers within the broader context of Baltimore's social infrastructure while providing convenient access to mission-aligned organizations.

Sustainable Preservation

The three- and four-story brick structure retains its historic industrial character while incorporating contemporary sustainable features worthy of LEED gold certification. The project demonstrates creative financing through a combination of state and federal historic preservation tax credits and New Market tax credits, showcasing how thoughtful development can make teacher housing both environmentally and economically sustainable.

Growing Impact

Miller's Court represents a model for addressing teacher recruitment and retention through purposeful housing development. By providing high-quality, community-oriented living spaces specifically designed for educators, the project helps attract and retain teaching talent while contributing to the revitalization of a historic Baltimore neighborhood. The development's success illustrates how architectural vision can support educational excellence through practical housing solutions.