Baltimore Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

Rising ten stories in the heart of the city's judiciary district, the Lenore not only exhibits impressive architecture but is also linked to the nation's banking history. Now an apartment building, the Lenore was once home to the Baltimore Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond.

The building's design was inspired by an Italian Renaissance palazzo, a unique architectural style in Baltimore. Granite, limestone carvings, and arched windows grace the exterior of the first floor and are evocative of the Second Renaissance Revival style popular in the early 1900s. The exterior also reflects an attention to security, also common in bank architecture.

The interior possesses a grandeur, magnificence of scale, and rich detailing, including marble floors, richly detailed bronze work, and a coffered ceiling.

Below the opulent banking hall lies two large vaults and various compartments where money was stored and worn currency was destroyed. A tunnel, since blocked off, secretly connected the bank with the city's post office across the street.

The Baltimore architectural firm Parker, Thomas, and Rice designed the 1926 structure, which originally rose to six stories. In 1956, the building was expanded; the top two stories were removed and an additional six stories were added. The distinctive top stories are simpler and modernistic. While harmonizing with the first floor, the austerity in design of the top floors provides an interesting juxtaposition in architectural styles.

After Baltimore's Federal Reserve branch moved to new space near Camden Yards, the building served as a consumer and commercial bank. In 2014, the former bank was converted into an apartment building with 102 units.


Baltimore City Landmark (Designated 1986), National Register of Historic Places (Listed 1983), Baltimore National Heritage Area.

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