1401 S. Light Street, Federal Hill, Baltimore.
Hot House: Original Pratt Library building with many unique details from 1886. 1 Bed/1 Bath. 2,786 Square Feet. Asking price: $850,000.
What: You might remember that I wrote about two library buildings that were for sale at the same time. You can read about them here, and recognize this week’s Hot House as being similar. In 1886, four small branches of the Pratt Library were built in the Northwest, Southwest, Southern and Eastern sections of the City. These branches were all uniform in construction, and each had about 4,000 volumes to loan.
This and the other original libraries were built in Richardson Revival style, with high peaked hipped rooflines, and three cross gables and slate roofs. Eye-brow windows in the roof are typical of the style and round stone finials cap the gables. The brick chimneys all have molded terra cotta panels with decorative motifs on two sides and the dates of construction on the other two.
As is configured now, the house is an open plan with space for a bedroom and one bathroom. There is a kitchen, as well. The space could be converted to a private home, as it is zoned OR-1 (Office Residential). As with some of the other former libraries, it could be used as office space, day care, dance or yoga studio or any live/work situation you can imagine.
The old library retains many of its original details, including the hardwood floors, arched structural supports, arched windows, bead-boarding, and more. The high ceilings, and loads of natural light add to the airy feeling of the library. There are some added internal walls that hide the kitchen.
Although the realtor suggests that you could add a second floor, it would completely destroy the integrity of the building. The buyer of the library should be someone who appreciates its history and is willing to preserve it.
Where: The historic library building is located on South Light Street at the corner of Gittings Street, just several blocks south of the Cross Street Market, and the local restaurants and bars. There is plenty of foot-traffic in the area, Federal Hill being one of the most popular neighborhoods in Baltimore.
Final Appraisal: This is one of the most interesting and historic properties in Baltimore and the new owner should honor, respect and preserve that history. The listing agent has included some AI images which might give you an idea of how the property could be used (although it’s not currently zoned for a restaurant). The listing for the house is here.
All photographs from the listing.
