Candler Building Amenity Space

Collective Architecture has restored the Candler Building’s historic character while creating a multi-use amenity space for young workers in Baltimore, Maryland.

  • area / size 70,000 sqft
  • Year 2019
  • The Candler Building is one of Baltimore’s iconic structures. Built in 1912, it was once a bottling company and the first headquarters of the United States Social Security Office. Hundreds of other companies have called Candler home through the decades. When American Real Estate Partners hired Collective Architecture in 2018 to design a much-needed renovation, two issues were addressed: creating connectivity between street-level retail and interior public spaces, and restoring the building’s historic character which had been lost over time.

    Collective Architecture re-imaged 70,000 SF of public space including the main and south lobbies, exterior facades, conference center, elevator lobbies, fitness center, corridors, and restrooms. Highlights include: historically-inspired interiors which feature polished concrete, reclaimed wood, exposed brick, period lighting and preserved historic elements; a boutique lobby with experiential areas; collaborative meeting areas; state-of-the-art fitness facility; and direct access to refreshed perimeter retail punctuated with patio seating that opens out onto both Market Place and Pratt Street.

    The design team pushed the stairs back and created access to the lobby from the retail spaces. Tenants and restaurant guests now enjoy a comfortable open lounge area. This important space is now activated throughout the day and evening. A conference center which can be configured in various ways is adjacent to the lobby area, providing flexible gathering options for tenants.

    Way-finding throughout the Candler Building tells the story of how industry shaped Baltimore. A Coca-Cola bottling sign highlights the lobby, along with an American flag representing Baltimore’s significance during the colonial era. The reception desk in the main lobby is modeled after a coal cart, since these carts were transported into the Candler Building on tracks providing coal for heat in 1912. An emphasis also was placed on incorporating locally sourced industrial materials throughout the interior.

    Design: Collective Architecture
    Photography: Max Kun Zhang