Client, Year

The Bozzuto Group, 2012

Services

Logos & Marks
Wayfinding
Architectural Signage
ADA Signage
Murals & Supergraphics

Awards / Press

AIA Baltimore Design Award, 2014
AIA Local Award, 2014
AIA State/Regional Award, 2014
NAHB Community of the Year, 2014
ULI WaveMaker Award, 2013

Photography

Union Wharf

A legacy shaped by the waterfront

Union Wharf, a luxury waterfront development in Baltimore’s Fell’s Point, features 280 residential units built on a narrow former industrial wharf, that wraps the waterline. Ashton crafted an identity and logo inspired by historic painted wall signs, honoring the building’s spirit, local history, and luxury offerings. We brought the brand to life through bespoke interior and exterior signage using context-rich materials with refined detailing. Union Wharf was sold less than two years after completion for nearly twice the original construction costs.

The industrial-inspired identity signs feature letterforms that play with positive and negative elements punched out of powder-coated metal to resemble the weathering of cold-rolled and Cor-Ten steel. 

Continuing the theme of layering raw, industrial materials, we utilized galvanized steel for the center core of exterior signs to add contrast to the darkened metal panels. The tenant panels were also designed with ease of changeability in mind. 

The building combines sustainable, modern apartments with resort-style amenities and a traditional brick exterior to complement the historic neighborhood. Portions of the interior wood were salvaged from the old horse stables at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, Maryland.

The interior wayfinding signs are layered with plywood to add warmth and to complement the interior materials and textures.

The significance of the project was highlighted by the mayor and city council member at the ribbon cutting and press conference.

The development also incorporated significant sustainable initiatives, such as diverting 89% of its construction waste to recycling facilities, utilizing 26% of products and materials with recycled content, and employing 63% regionally sourced materials. These efforts not only helped reduce transportation-related carbon emissions but also stimulate the local economy.

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PO Box 50337, Balt., MD 21211

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