Client, Year

Monument Realty, 2018

Services

Placemaking
Murals & Supergraphics
Illustration

Awards / Press

Photography

225 North Calvert Street

A clever disguise in plain sight

This 19-story, former banking center behemoth was ready to enjoy a second act as upscale city apartments. Just one hitch: an unsightly concrete parking garage spanned floors two through six. Ashton worked with Monument Realty to transform it from an eyesore into a striking billboard celebrating Baltimore living. Better yet, the illustration style camouflaged crucial vents that allowed for natural garage airflow.

The rest of the massive building had been updated with a more attractive, colorful facade. Still, the development team struggled with how to handle the garage. While a lovely resident amenity, it was a major distraction at street level, as it covered an area roughly 50 feet tall by 300 feet wide.

Our challenge was to complement the building’s new design, conceal the garage, and eliminate the need for a mechanical ventilation system—all while appealing to young professionals seeking a modern place to call home.

Taking cues from Baltimore’s tradition of “painted scenes,” or folk art painted on window screens, we created a mural depicting city life and landmarks on a woven vinyl mesh. Now, residents are reminded why they love living here, rather than being distracted by the realities of urban planning.

Stay in Touch

PO Box 50337, Balt., MD 21211

©2024 Ashton Design

Stay in Touch