Hot House: 1220 Bank Street #102, Baltimore, MD 21202

Luxury industrial style loft condo, circa 2005, in historic building, circa 1881.  Brick exterior with interior walls of exposed brick and  concrete. 18’ ceilings. 1,599 sq. ft. with 1 bedroom, 1.5 baths, gourmet kitchen, spa master bath. Private rear patio. Parking, w/ direct access to condo from garage: $569,999 * (see NB)

What: The Canal Street Malt house takes up a full block in what’s left of Little Italy, just north of Harbor East. It was actually a brewer’s malt warehouse back in the day, when Central Avenue was called Canal Street because a water channel (now underground) ran straight down the middle. Two new wings were added when the malt house became luxury condominiums back in 2005, but happily, this loft is in the original building and retains some nice details and an industrial feel. It’s an impressive space, with soaring ceilings perfect for large-scale art work, tall south-facing windows, vertical iron beams and exposed piping. The floors command attention too – wide plank Brazilian cherry, cork upstairs, textured marble in the bathrooms.  (The art and much of the furniture, including an amazing clear blue acrylic table designed by Elizabeth Paige Smith, is for sale.) The space’s distinctive look is the result of a collaboration between designer Tracy Reichert and decorative painter/painting contractor Christopher Licata. The interior has open floor plan, with sleek kitchen overlooking the larger living space. Metal staircase rises to the loft master bedroom, which has custom designed built-ins, walk in closets, dressing area and spa bath with separate shower. Downstairs again, the back patio off the main space is private. A gate leads to central courtyard garden.  Condo fees are $302/month, includes maintenance, sewer, snow and trash removal, water.