Exterior Elements Add Interest, Continuity to Luxury High-Rise Development
The Bozzuto Group and Harbor East Management Group partnered with Hickok Cole to design a new exclusive waterfront property. The result is Liberty Harbor East — a 775,000-square-foot mixed-use development situated between the Baltimore’s two most desirable neighborhoods, Inner Harbor and Fells Point, offering unobstructed views of the Patapsco River and the Inner Harbor — and the Best High-Rise Apartment Community for the 2020 Multifamily Pillars for the Industry Awards.
“When we first saw this site, it was exciting to see all the new development this part of Baltimore was experiencing,” stated Laurence Caudle, AIA, principal and director of housing at Hickok Cole. “We wanted Liberty Harbor East to feel like a natural part of the community, while enjoying its own unique identity and taking advantage of all the site had to offer.”
Occupying an entire city block, the monumental development comprises four major components, including 282 apartment units and 33 luxury condominiums, resting atop six levels of above-grade parking and a two-story, 68,000-square-foot Whole Foods Market and outdoor café facing the river.
Because of the site’s high-profile location, the project team worked closely with the city and neighboring community groups to ensure the design blended well with the context of the surrounding area; the project underwent several design iterations and more than 20 presentations before finally receiving approval for construction. The design team created continuity with the adjacent neighborhoods through the predominate use of masonry for the building’s façade, lending a residential character consistent with the city’s collection of town homes. White bricks begin on the third floor along the southern façade to help distinguish the condominium units, gradually curving toward the 16th floor in a sail-like shape reminiscent of the ships once docked along Baltimore’s waterfront.
“Rather than translating the existing architectural fabric into a high-rise, we created a tower that seems sculpted by the harbor breeze to maximize views for all residents,” Caudle added. “The light palette is a homage to the white ship sails in the harbor, but also creates a beautiful reflective quality that draws the eye up from the street.”
The community parking garage faces Central Avenue and features an industrial-style exterior of medium gray brick masonry selected to contrast with the condominiums and the double-height glass exterior of the Whole Foods below. A dynamic metal tube sculpture and light installation affixed to the garage exterior traverses the height of the building and serves as a nod to the sailboat masts in the harbor.
To break down the development’s scale, the apartment component is divided into two towers, the tallest of which reaches 288 feet high. Rental apartments on the ninth through 22nd floors offer outstanding views of the city and harbor with unit sizes ranging from studio to three-bedrooms, including superior penthouse level units on the top two floors. The development’s 33 condominiums deliver unparalleled elegance with expansive light-filled units and glass-lined balconies for outdoor dining and breathtaking views.
“Liberty Harbor East is a remarkably designed mixed-use high-rise community,” one Pillars judge observed. “The innovative building design utilizes transitions in the different building sections and façades, which makes it interesting and unique in the urban landscape. The community’s modern and open floor plans, attractive interior finishes, and impressive amenities will help Liberty Harbor East achieve long-term operational success in its market.”
A large, landscaped amenity terrace sits above the parking garage on the ninth floor, and includes an infinity pool, cabana lounge, outdoor amphitheater, dog park, and dining and grilling areas. A clubroom, study, library, and large fitness center and yoga room surround the amenity terrace, creating a truly amazing gathering space for all residents to enjoy. Designated entrances for the apartment and condominium are located at the northeast and southeast corners of the building and feature sleek, elegant double-height lobby spaces to welcome guests.
Applications are open for the 2021 Multifamily Pillars of the Industry Awards through Oct. 18. Apply now to spotlight your stellar multifamily project.
Latest from NAHBNow
May 08, 2025
Multifamily Developer Confidence Falls in First QuarterConfidence in the market for new multifamily housing declined year-over-year in the first quarter, according to the Multifamily Market Survey (MMS) released today by NAHB. The MMS produces two separate indices. The Multifamily Production Index (MPI) had a reading of 44, down three points year-over-year, while the Multifamily Occupancy Index (MOI) had a reading of 82, down one point year-over-year.
May 07, 2025
Energy Star Transition and Its Effect on NAHB MembersSeveral recent media reports suggest that the Energy Star program, a proven private-public partnership administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is going through a possible transition period that could lead to its elimination.
Latest Economic News
May 06, 2025
Mortgage Activity Levels Off in April as Rates IncreaseMortgage loan applications saw little change in April, as refinancing activity decreased. The Market Composite Index, which measures mortgage loan application volume based on the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) weekly survey, experienced a 0.4% month-over month increase on a seasonally adjusted (SA) basis. However, year-over-year, the index is up 29.3% compared to April 2024.
May 06, 2025
Prices for New Homes Continue to Drop as Existing RisesThe median price for a new single-family home sold in the first quarter of 2025 was $416,900, a mere $14,600 above the existing home sale price of $402,300, according to U.S. Census Bureau and National Association of Realtors data (not seasonally adjusted – NSA).
May 05, 2025
Student Housing Construction Investment Rises in the First Quarter of 2025Private fixed investment in student dormitories increased by 2.3% in the first quarter of 2025, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of $4.04 billion. This gain followed a 1.0% increase in the previous quarter. However, private fixed investment in dorms was 2% lower than a year ago, as elevated interest rates place a damper on student housing construction.