Hot House: 43 S. Carey Street, Baltimore, 21223
Former Baltimore City firehouse, circa 1906, decommissioned in 2001 and zoned for residential use. Two-story brick building, with basement. 3,780 sq. ft. unfinished space, with one full bath, two possible bedrooms. Fifteen foot+ ceilings on lower level, 13’ ceilings on second level, basement with eight-foot ceilings. Steam heat. Property being sold “as is”: $499,900
What: Is there anyone who doesn’t think it would be cool to live in a firehouse? Baltimore artist and actor Devon Davison did when he bought Hook & Ladder 13 from Baltimore City in 2002, as it was being decommissioned. For 15 years he used the first floor as his studio and had plans for a neighborhood art space for kids. He died last year, and this great looking firehouse is on the market. Zoned residential, it could easily be converted to commercial use or turned into a multi-unit home. Of course, there’s nothing like a firehouse for a film location. Or, what about something like this?
Where: 43 S. Carey Street is in Southwest Baltimore, in Hollins Market, just north of Pigtown/Washington Village. It’s an area that has been eyed by developers for years because of its easy access to I-95, the stadiums, Horseshoe Casino, B&O Railroad Museum and more. Now, with University of Maryland’s ever-expanding BioPark, the Hollins Market redevelopment by Scott Plank’s War Horse Cities (currently in negotiation), and the 32-acre, mixed-use Center/West development at MLK and Lafayette Street recently completed – it looks like a good time to buy a neighborhood firehouse.
Why: Because… 1. You’re a real estate investor or 2. You’re eight years old at heart.
Why Not: The neighborhood is coming, but not quite there for some buyers.
Would Suit: Early adapters.
NB: In 2002, Baltimore City sold this property to Devon Davison for $19K. In 2018, his estate sold it to the current owner for $110K. Now, it’s on the market for $499,900, so there’s probably some negotiating room.
