City Hall Baltimore, MD
Client:
Baltimore City Department of General Services
Project Partner:
Lorton Stone
Features
- 6-story
- 81,000 sf
- Adorned with a rotunda, dome, and cupola
- Maryland-sourced marble
- Public
A City Hall in Need of a Royal Makeover
Baltimore City Hall, occupying the city block between East Lexington and East Fayette Streets, has stood as a symbol of civic pride since its completion in 1875. Clad in robust brick masonry and crowned with distinctive mansard slate roofing is adorned with Maryland marble quarried at Beaver Dam. The building echoes the grandeur of other local landmarks like the Baltimore Battle Monument and Washington Monument.
However, time had taken its toll on this aging monarch. Leaky roofs, crumbling marble, and outdated systems cried out for attention. After years of patching things up, the final straw came in 2016 when a large marble chunk crashed through a skylight. BECS along with a group of consultants, material scientists, conservators and contractors, conducted a head-to-toe inspection, revealing over 4,200 areas of distress scattered across the building’s stone, roof, and exterior walls. It was clear: this architectural icon needed a royal makeover.
As the restoration project unfolded, BECS took the lead as principal consultant and engineer of record. Their primary role was safeguarding the city’s investment by making sure the project was done right, from start to finish, phase by phase. Every decision was made with the best interests of the Department of General Services and Baltimore City in mind.
The restoration is a painstaking process involving a range of treatments, from deep cleaning the masonry to replacing damaged stones with carefully matched originals or salvaged pieces. Workers are meticulously repairing cracks and sealing vulnerable areas to protect the building from future damage. BECS is overseeing every step, making sure that only the highest quality materials are used, and that the building’s historic character is preserved. The goal is to restore City Hall to its former glory while respecting its rich history.
