Our History

A Legacy Steeped in Baltimore's Brewing History

The story of Canal Street Malt House begins in 1866 with a visionary named Solomon Straus. Back then, the building wasn't a collection of stylish lofts, but Solomon Straus's Malt House, a cornerstone of Baltimore's booming brewing industry.

Located at the corner of Canal Street (named for the canal that still runs beneath the road today) and Fawn Street, the seven-story structure was a marvel of its time. Equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, it transformed high-quality Canadian barley into the malt essential for brewing.

A Journey from Barley to Brew:

Imagine a bustling scene: barley arriving by rail, hoisted by elevators to the top floor for cleaning, then meticulously weighed and distributed throughout the building for a controlled maturation process. Finally, the grain reached one of eight kilns for drying before being packaged and shipped to thirsty customers across Baltimore, the South, and the West.

Beyond the Brew:

While brewing was its original calling, the building's story continued to unfold. After its time as a malt house, it served as a warehouse for the Atlas Food distribution company. Most recently, it provided creative haven for artists through studio spaces.

A Transformation for a New Era:

Today, Canal Street Malt House stands as a testament to Baltimore's rich history, seamlessly transformed into luxurious living spaces. Yet, the echoes of its past remain, a reminder of the innovation and industry that once thrived within its walls.