
HISTORY
Established in 1906
6 East Eager was designed by one of Baltimore’s most renowned architects, Joseph Evans Sperry, as the city residence for Mr. William Marburg, one of Baltimore’s wealthiest residents at the time. Sperry, one of Baltimore's leading architects, designed many public buildings such as churches, hospitals and banks. Among Sperry's most recognized Baltimore buildings are the Emerson "Bromo Seltzer" Tower, the Equitable Building, the Grand Lodge of Masons, the Mercantile Trust Building, as well as many others recognized on the list of Baltimore’s 100 finest architectural buildings.
The 16,000 square foot mansion has superior craftsmanship. Over the years, the majority of the original features have been maintained, refurbished, or reconstructed. Throughout the building you will find detailed plaster work, multiple pocket doors, refurbished hardwood floors, a grand staircase, and original marble in every room. There are numerous intricate stained-glass windows, complemented by two stained-glass skylights on the top floor. Most of the Philippine mahogany woodwork is original, as well as the 12 marble fireplaces that portray extensively unique detailed carvings.
Among the many conservators and architectural experts who have been involved in the renovation and modernization project, we continue to hear that 6 E. Eager is a remarkable, well-preserved example of early 20th century architecture. We endeavor to offer the latest in modern convenience.
Renamed in 2017
At the end of 2017, 6 East Eager underwent a significant renovation that preserved its history and provided the latest modern office convenience. Along with these changes, the building was re-branded as "City House". The name of the newly renovated mansion comes from the original blueprints that were discovered in the basement vault at the time of purchase. These blueprints were titled “William A. Marburg - City House” since Marburg had acquired both a city house and a country house.
William A. Marburg was a prominent civic and business leader. He used his city house as both his residence and as a space to advance his civic and business pursuits. We know from historical documents that Marburg used this space to support his patronage of the arts. It was within these walls that he supported Johns Hopkin's Hospital, managed his tobacco business and planned his largest real estate investment: the development of Gilford.
We found the term "City House" fitting for the commercial and civic leadership that we aspire to bring to Baltimore. Like Marburg, we aim to have our City House support and advance the business ambitions and civic interest of those who work within its solidly built walls.
Renovation Process
It took more than a year of planning and execution. We acquired the building as its fourth owner. Those before us have refrained from altering the building from its original construction, which we thank them for. Though we located some of the original blueprints in the basement, we ultimately found a full set at the Baltimore City Archives and were shocked at how little had been changed. We used these as our guide to protect the past while adding modern conveniences such as security, safety and technology.
Built immediately following the great Baltimore fire, 6 East Eager was deemed a “fire-proof” building. Sperry leveraged the most modern of technology at the time bringing electricity, an elevator and modern heating into the residential home. It’s craftsmanship and structural integrity are remarkable: 14-inch concrete, steel floors and thick terracotta walls.
We deemed to keep as many of the historic features as possible. The renovations included refinishing the hardwood floors and replacing some of the wood, making sure to keep the herringbone pattern consistent. The 110 year old ceiling in the main reception room required some plaster work, however, the gold silk fabric that line the walls have been kept in pristine condition and therefore untouched. Original sinks in each bathroom received updated plumbing, and office spaces have been coated with fresh paint. Both new and refurbished light fixtures work well together to bring a modern, yet antique feel to each room. The original iron-gated front doors have been updated with the latest security technology, high speed internet has been introduced, and each room is equipped with new furniture and potential to make it your own.
City House Layout
6 East Eager is built around a marble staircase lined with brass and mahogany railings, which provides an open lobby on each floor. The first floor is dedicated to all City House tenants and members, where they can utilize a large reception area, unique oval meeting room, a large eating area, and kitchen.
The basement level, also welcomed to tenants and members, contains its original wine room which has been converted into a conference room. The top three floors are divided into unique office suites for individuals or companies who require either a single or group office space.
For the professional who spends time on the road but does not need a permanent office, the City House Membership is your solution, providing you with impressive meeting spaces, and the option to have a P.O. Box and a storage locker.
City House Location
City House is located within walking distance of Penn Station, the Central Business District and Inner Harbor, the Walters Art Museum, Washington Monument and the Peabody Conservatory. City House offers convenient driving access to BWI airport (20 min) and the northern burbs of Baltimore (10-15 min). Adjacent to City House is the Maryland Club, as well as numerous dining options such as City Café, Brewer’s Art, Dooby's Café, the Mt. Vernon Food Market, Prime Rib, and more.
Mt. Vernon / Midtown
Mt. Vernon/Midtown is located immediately north of downtown Baltimore (0.8 miles from the Inner Harbor) and was once home to many of Baltimore’s wealthiest residents. It contains many substantial row homes and many of Baltimore’s cultural anchors. The Washington Monument is the first monument in the US dedicated to George Washington. The blocks surrounding the monument offer some of the best preserved early 20th century architectural examples in the US. Mt. Vernon Square is even on the National Historic Registry.
Many cultural and educational institutions are based in Mt. Vernon/Midtown. These include the Walters Art Museum, the Peabody Conservatory, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and the Annie E. Casey Foundation. In addition, the Basilica is located just to the South, and the University of Baltimore, MICA, and Penn Station are located just to the North.
Recently, Mount Vernon has experienced several notable real estate developments that exemplify the neighborhood’s continued growth and strength. In 2013, Chase Brexton, a healthcare provider, reinvested in the neighborhood by relocating its disparate operations to the former Monumental Life building. Since 2015, three new boutique hotels have opened and provided additional vibrancy to Mount Vernon/Midtown. The Hotel Ivy is Maryland’s first Relais & Châteaux location. The Hotel Indigo provides hip accommodations. A third high-end joie de verve boutique hotel, the Revival, embraces the art and culture of Mt. Vernon.
Because of its central location within Baltimore, Mount Vernon has numerous transportation options. Penn Station is less than a half mile North of City House. This provides quick and easy access to the entire East Coast corridor of Boston to DC via Amtrak and the MARC commuter rail. The Jones Falls Expressway runs just to the west, and provides easy exit and entry to the neighborhood, while also benefiting commuters with a shorter drive than traveling to locations downtown. The free Baltimore Charm City Circulator bus services the neighborhood and the Light Rail makes several nearby stops.
Our Vision
Like many who lived in Mt. Vernon at the time, William Marburg was a prominent Baltimore business leader who used his City House to entertain and conduct important commercial and civic business. It is our intent to reincorporate City House as a part of the business and civic community of Baltimore. This is a place where business professionals can work and engage with others to share ideas and seek alternative perspectives.
It’s our twist on the modern shared working space: open common areas with additional private working spaces for professionals that need a place to close the door. Located within walking distance of Penn Station and in the heart of Mt. Vernon, the location offers convenient access to both the downtown area and the northern burbs of Baltimore.
Source: www.Newspapers.com