Fun Fact: Where in MD Can You Find the Longest Unbroken Row of Houses?

The Mill Hill Deck of Cards Block Historic District in Baltimore City boasts the longest unbroken row of houses in Baltimore. This block of rowhouses stretches for more than 1,800 feet.

https://retrobaltimore.tumblr.com/post/110660021739/now-and-then-pictures-wilkens-avenue
(A. Aubrey Bodine, Baltimore Sun photo 1948) Posted by RetroBaltimore

The 2600 block of Wilkens Avenue, located in Southwest Baltimore just northwest of the Gwynns Falls, was developed in 1912 by Walter L. Westphaul. The land originally belonged to William Wilkens, for whom the avenue is named. The majority of early residents worked at the William Wilkens Company (a hair factory) or at one of Baltimore’s numerous breweries. The houses were initially sold for $1,250 each and featured a full basement, complete wiring, natural gas and sewage piping, and heating. These advanced features set this block apart from most others, and it holds the distinction of being the longest unbroken row of houses in Baltimore.

The Mill Hill Deck of Cards Block Historic District is architecturally significant as being the longest unbroken row of houses in Baltimore, and perhaps the world, it is constructed on what once was the major thoroughfare between Baltimore and Washington D.C. – Historical and Architectural Preservation

(Jerry Jackson, Baltimore Sun photo, 2015) Posted by RetroBaltimore

When the numbers approached 2700, the builder had to resort to half numbers.  Constructed as 1912 interpretations of Late 19th century Italianate row/townhouses, the row houses are architecturally unique. Each house is two-bays wide and two-stories tall. The facades are made up of marble bases and steps.  The first and second floors are made of yellow/orange brick, and have a white molded cornice. Each of the townhomes is distinguished by brackets with ornamental balls at the cornice line, which visually separates the houses. The first story windows and doors have lead or stained glass transoms adding to their unique look. Finally, each window and doorframe is accentuated by marble trim.

Check out the Historical and Architectural Preservation for more information about The Mill Hill Deck of Cards Block Historic District in Baltimore City.

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