The city of Baltimore’s first responders now have a new place to call home, thanks to the recent opening of Guardian House, a 66-unit housing community for local police and firefighters.
The development capitalizes on the growing stock of vacant commercial properties in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, turning two neglected office buildings and an old culinary school into an amenity-rich home base for the city’s protectors.
Units range from studios to two bedrooms, and all are reserved for residents making 60% or less than the area median income. Over a quarter of the units offer reduced rents for Baltimore police and fire department workers earning below this threshold.
The $27.5 million development offers new features, like a state-of-the-art fitness center and on-site storage, while retaining much of the original buildings’ historic charm.
The work called for replacing 60% of the wood framing in two buildings and 85% of it in the third. A fifth floor was also added to one of the buildings.
“The catalyst for the project was to revitalize long-neglected buildings with historical integrity, enhance neighborhood walkability, and provide quality and thoughtful housing solutions to our city’s workforce,” says Jon Pannoni, partner at Landmark Restoration Partners. “This is focused on first responders but open to all those who serve Baltimore.”
