Cool Digs: Inside the redeveloped Lion Brothers Building
Published 7/2/18 in the Baltimore Business Journal
The Lion Brothers Building, once home to an embroidery company, has now been transformed into a modern and flexible workspace for students, entrepreneurs and employees in Southwest Baltimore.
Cross Street Partners redeveloped the historic 38,000-square-foot building at 875 Hollins St. starting in 2015 and reopened it in January 2017. The building is now fully-leased and home to multiple companies and eateries, as well as a coworking space known as the Graduate Research Innovation District (GRID).
GRID is a new innovation space by University of Maryland Ventures, a joint research and technology commercialization effort between University of Maryland, Baltimore and University of Maryland, College Park. It provides space for entrepreneurs and technology startups, many of which are focused on solving health and social challenges.
GRID was designed to be flexible and incorporates modern design elements like a collaboration bar, large screens, writeable surfaces and a variety of worktables and seating.
The $12 million redevelopment of the Lion Brothers Building was the first historic preservation project in the UMB BioPark district, a spokesperson for Cross Street Partners said. The building was originally constructed in 1885, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is part of the legacy of the Hollins-Roundhouse National Historic District.
In redeveloping the building, Cross Street Partners strove to show off its industrial past with exposed brick walls, large factory windows, salvaged lights, machine elements and 12-foot ceilings. Designers focused on natural light and architectural aesthetics, and incorporated Cross Street Partners’ signature open floor plan.
In addition to GRID, other tenants include Neopol Savory Smokery, Spring Garden Lending, Enterprise Homes Inc., Baltimore Community Lending and the University of Maryland Baltimore County Intermedia and Digital Arts Graduate Program.
In Baltimore Community Lending’s third-floor space, original elements such as restored hardwood floors and wood ceiling are showcased.
Cross Street Partners purchased the Lion Brothers Building on March 2016 for $1.425 million. The seller was listed in state records as Berlee Realty LLC.
Lion Brothers Building
Address: 875 Hollins Street, Baltimore
Year the building opened: January 2017, it was originally built in 1885
Size: The three-story building totals 38,000 square feet
Designers: Cross Street Partners; Cho Benn Holback & Associates; Marks, Thomas Architects; and Foundry Architects
Developer and general contractor: Cross Street Partners
Management company: Cross Street Partners
