House One.  Anatomy of a Patterson Park Rehab

Ever walked by a house and just stopped?  That’s what happened as I walked past 2322 E. Baltimore Street in Patterson Park.  As a Realtor I’ve seen plenty of homes—that’s part of my job.  The drawback to seeing so many, though, is I’ve become less and less enamored with stainless steel appliances and granite counters–I’ve lost that wide-eyed enthusiasm for Brazilian cherry hardwood and the much over-used glass tiles. Instead, I notice the tight fit of crown molding where corners meet; whether the person who installed the bathroom tile just did his job or if he actually loved doing his job; whether the kitchen cabinets were custom fit for the space or if they were leftovers from another job.  I believe the outward appearance of a rehab is a good indication of how well something is constructed behind the walls.  And from outward appearances, the tradesmen who put this house together would be proud if you could see the skeleton and arteries, the veins and nerves beneath the skin.  But to call this a rehab does not seem quite accurate.  The only original part of this work of art is its frame.

So let’s start at the beginning.  Overwhelming and jaw-dropping all seem inadequate to describe my initial reaction to the blend of old and new.  It seems the developer/designer knew what to keep and what to discard.  So what’s so special about this house?  It’s a compilation of uncompromising craftsmanship and artistry.  If this house were a garment, it would be a gray su misura Brioni suit.

It’s obvious that the color choice was a considered decision for the designer.  The deep gray accents and stairs need to be that color.  No other color would work.  Although you’ll want to go upstairs, don’t rush.  There’s more to see on the first floor.  Moving through this house arouses the same emotions as unwrapping a new Apple product.  It’s not just a house — it’s more.

The second living room in the rear of the house is embraced by huge windows that practically span from floor to ceiling.  And to survey it all is a second-floor loft overlooking this space.

Every bathroom in the house presents a unique palette, but the master bath has the spa-like feel of the boutique Hotel DO: Plaça Reial in Barcelona.

The rooftop deck offers panoramic views of course, but the real feat is how you get there.  You are shielded from the wind by a walled-in staircase that’s as easy to ascend as an interior staircase.  Looking at the photos, and actually seeing it for myself is like the difference between swimming in a pool at the Y and the ocean.  You simply have to see it in person.

“Basement” is a complete misnomer for the lower level.  The polished concrete floor continues a theme of modernity.  With a wet bar in the family room (down the hall from a bedroom), this space could easily qualify as a master suite.  What I love about this house most?  This is House One in the beginning of an evolutionary chain that hopefully predicts the future of rehabs in Baltimore.

I want this house.  I can’t have it, but I want it.  Maybe it could be yours.  If you’d like to see it, call me.  It is not my listing, but I’d love to show it to you.

2322 E. Baltimore Street in a nutshell:

• Parking pad.
• Almost 4000 sf finished, 3015 sf tax living area.
• 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms.
• Within JHU “Live Near Your Work” boundary.
• Facing beautiful Patterson Park.

I’m Greg Bridges with Long & Foster Real Estate.   I sell and write about real estate in and around Baltimore. Contact me at 410-377-2270, my mobile at 410-215-0565 or g.bridges@LNF.com