Jun 14, 1979
National Register of Historic Places - House at 9 North Front Street
Statement of Significant: As the sole surviving townhouse in the Shot Tower area, 9 Front Street merits attention. Extensive research has been conducted on the site to make this house an accurate representation of what was once there. Baltimore has few houses from the Federal period, although it was the city's first major building phase. Because it typifies what was once common, 9 Front Street is a valuable and irreplaceable artifact. It is further distinguished by being the home of Thurowgood Smith, the second Mayor of Baltimore. The house at 9 Front Street is one of the few remaining 18th century townhouses in Baltimore. It stands in a portion of the city known as "Old Town" or, formerly, "Jones Town" which was annexed to Baltimore in 1745 and whose settlement actually predates that of Baltimore Town. This house was built by either John Beale Bordley (1) or Charles Torrence to whom he sold the property in 1794, (2). Since Baltimore Street was extended through the property in 1788, it would appear logical that this structure, which is located in the center of the lot, was constructed thereafter. In 1802 and 1804, the Baltimore City Directory listed "Thorowgood Smith, merchant" as the occupant. Smith was the second mayor of Baltimore (1804-1808). He was a successful merchant and the owner of the "Willowbrook" estate whose oval room is now in the Baltimore Museum of Art. Smith suffered financial losses and sold "Willowbrook" just prior to the period when he occupied 9 North Front Street. In the years following Smith's occupancy, the building was owned and occupied by the heirs of Charles Torrence. In 1875, it was sold to William Suess who turned it into a hotel and restaurant. Fragments of Suess' painted advertisement are still visible on the south wall. Samuel Nechamkin purchased the building from the Suess estate in 1940 and thereafter the structure was used as an automobile parts shop In 1971, the City of Baltimore acquired this house as part of the proposed Historical Park surrounding the Shot Tower which stands immediately north of this building. The city has entered into an agreement with the Women's Civic League which allows the League to restore the structure for use as their headquarters and a visitors' center.
National Register of Historic Places - House at 9 North Front Street
Statement of Significant: As the sole surviving townhouse in the Shot Tower area, 9 Front Street merits attention. Extensive research has been conducted on the site to make this house an accurate representation of what was once there. Baltimore has few houses from the Federal period, although it was the city's first major building phase. Because it typifies what was once common, 9 Front Street is a valuable and irreplaceable artifact. It is further distinguished by being the home of Thurowgood Smith, the second Mayor of Baltimore. The house at 9 Front Street is one of the few remaining 18th century townhouses in Baltimore. It stands in a portion of the city known as "Old Town" or, formerly, "Jones Town" which was annexed to Baltimore in 1745 and whose settlement actually predates that of Baltimore Town. This house was built by either John Beale Bordley (1) or Charles Torrence to whom he sold the property in 1794, (2). Since Baltimore Street was extended through the property in 1788, it would appear logical that this structure, which is located in the center of the lot, was constructed thereafter. In 1802 and 1804, the Baltimore City Directory listed "Thorowgood Smith, merchant" as the occupant. Smith was the second mayor of Baltimore (1804-1808). He was a successful merchant and the owner of the "Willowbrook" estate whose oval room is now in the Baltimore Museum of Art. Smith suffered financial losses and sold "Willowbrook" just prior to the period when he occupied 9 North Front Street. In the years following Smith's occupancy, the building was owned and occupied by the heirs of Charles Torrence. In 1875, it was sold to William Suess who turned it into a hotel and restaurant. Fragments of Suess' painted advertisement are still visible on the south wall. Samuel Nechamkin purchased the building from the Suess estate in 1940 and thereafter the structure was used as an automobile parts shop In 1971, the City of Baltimore acquired this house as part of the proposed Historical Park surrounding the Shot Tower which stands immediately north of this building. The city has entered into an agreement with the Women's Civic League which allows the League to restore the structure for use as their headquarters and a visitors' center.
Jun 14, 1979
Posted Date
Aug 15, 2023
Historical Record Date
Jun 14, 1979
Source Name
National Register of Historic Places
