Bank of America Building (Baltimore) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bank of America Building |
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| General information | |
| Type | Residential |
| Architectural style | Art Deco |
| Location | 10 Light Street Baltimore, Maryland |
| Coordinates | 39°17′21″N 76°36′51″W / 39.2892°N 76.6141°W |
| Completed | 1929 |
| Owner | Metropolitan Baltimore LLC |
| Height | |
| Antenna spire | 179.832 m (590.00 ft) |
| Roof | 155.143 m (509.00 ft) |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 37 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Taylor & Fisher Smith & May |
| Developer | J. Henry Miller & Son |
| Structural engineer | Girard Engineering, Inc. |
The Bank of America Building, also known as 10 Light Street, is a very tall building in downtown Baltimore, Maryland. It stands at about 155 meters (509 feet) and has 34 stories. This famous building was once called the Baltimore Trust Company Building.
Contents
About the Building
When it was built in 1929, 10 Light Street was the tallest building in Maryland. It was also the tallest office building south of New York City. The building was designed by Taylor and Fisher. It was finished in just 18 months.
Art Deco Design and Details
The building has a special style called Art Deco. This style was popular in the 1920s and 1930s. It uses bold shapes, geometric patterns, and rich decorations. The building is made from Indiana sandstone and local brick. It has a strong steel frame inside.
The outside of the building has cool carvings of people and animals. You can also see stylish eagles. The very top of the building has a roof made of copper and gold.
Inside the Main Lobby
The main banking lobby inside is very fancy. It has two stories and is highly decorated. The floor has beautiful mosaics designed by Hildreth Meiere. There are also historic murals by Griffith Baily Coale and McGill Mackall. These murals show important events from Baltimore's past. They include the Great Baltimore Fire of 1904. Another mural shows the writing of the National Anthem during the War of 1812. Today, this historic lobby is used as an Under Armour gym.
Building's History
The Baltimore Trust Company moved into the building in 1929. Soon after, the Great Depression began. This was a time when many people lost their jobs and money. The bank faced big problems and the building became mostly empty.
Changes Over the Years
In the 1940s and 1960s, the building had different names. It was called the Mathieson Building and then the O'Sullivan Building. These names came from the main companies that rented space there.
In 1947, something exciting happened. The building became home to the transmitter and antenna for WMAR TV. This was the first TV station in Maryland! It was also the 14th TV station in the entire country. The TV tower is still on top of the building today, though it is no longer used.
In 1961, Maryland National Bank bought the building. They changed its name to the "Maryland National Bank Building." Later, in 1993, NationsBank bought Maryland National. The building's name changed again to "NationsBank Building." Finally, in 1997, NationsBank joined with BankAmerica. That's when the building got its current name, the "Bank of America Building."
Restoration and New Use
Over the years, parts of the building were fixed up. The copper-clad dome on top was restored. Now, it is lit up at night.
In 2012, a company bought the building. They decided to turn the upper floors into apartments. There are now 445 apartments in the building. The Bank of America banking center on the ground floor closed in 2013.
Images for kids
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Top of the building
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Rear side view from West Baltimore Street
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Main entrance on 10 Light Street
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The historic lobby floor pictured in 1933, now covered by artificial turf for the UA Fitness Performance Center
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See also
In Spanish: Bank of America Building (Baltimore) para niños
