About 1501 Guilford Ave
Online Auction Only! Bidding begins Friday, September 5th and ends Wednesday, September 10th, 2025 at 1:00 PM EST. (12pm for 419 E. Oliver MLS#____) List price is opening bid. Copycat Building is a rare landmark redevelopment opportunity located in Baltimore’s thriving Station North Arts and Entertainment District. This massive 265,000-square-foot, 6-level building encompasses a full city block and is a prominent feature of the Baltimore skyline. With its rich history and prime location, the Copycat Building is an ideal investment for a visionary developer.
Originally built in 1897 as the main factory for the Crown Cork & Seal Company, the building is a marvel of Victorian Industrial architecture. For decades, it was a hub of innovation, producing the world-famous crown-style bottle caps. In the 1980s, the building transformed into an iconic live-work space, becoming a haven for Baltimore's burgeoning art scene and fostering a vibrant community of creative professionals. This unique heritage makes the Copycat Building more than just a property; it's a piece of Baltimore history.
Property Features
This mixed-use property is zoned IMU-1 (Industrial Mixed-Use) with a Planned Urban Development (PUD) designation, allowing for a wide range of uses, including multifamily, retail, office, and industrial. The 1.25-acre site offers significant development potential.
Key Features include:
• Size and Structure: 265,000+ square feet on six levels, constructed with a durable concrete, steel, and masonry frame.
• Parking: A private parking lot, indoor garages, and abundant street parking.
• Accessibility: Multiple passenger and freight elevators, loading docks, and bays.
• Utilities: 3-phase electric service and a full wet and dry sprinkler system.
• Signage: A massive 3,000+ square-foot rooftop billboard with high visibility from I-83 and Penn Station.
Unbeatable Location
The Copycat Building is strategically located in the heart of the Greenmount West Planned Urban Development and the Station North Arts & Entertainment District. Its location offers unparalleled access and visibility.
Location Highlights:
• Adjacent to Penn Station: With 3 million commuters passing through annually, the building is perfectly positioned to attract residents and businesses seeking an easy commute. The ongoing $150 million renovation of Penn Station will further enhance the area with new residences and retail.
• High Visibility: The building is a landmark visible from I-83, which sees over 110,000 cars per day, and from Penn Station.
• Walker's Paradise: A Walk Score of over 90% means residents and tenants can easily access major employment centers, educational institutions, entertainment venues, and shopping.
• Development Incentives: The property is located in an Opportunity Zone and qualifies for Historic and Energy Incentives, providing significant financial benefits for redevelopment.
• Connectivity: Quick access to major highways (I-83) and key Baltimore neighborhoods like Downtown, Mt. Vernon, and Charles Village. The building also offers expansive views of the Baltimore skyline and visibility to the Inner Harbor.
The Copycat Building represents a unique opportunity to transform a historic industrial icon into a modern mixed-use development, capitalizing on Baltimore's ongoing renaissance and the growing demand for housing and commercial space.
