Uppercrust School

Constructed in the 1830's by one of Mob Town's first professionally trained architects, the “Upper-crust School” was once a home. Baltimore lawyer David Stewart hired architect Robert Carey Lon, to design and build the once proud manor. Robert Carey Lon has designed many buildings, including other Maryland landmarks such as the Patapsco Female Institute in Ellicott City, and the Lloyd Street Synagogue in Baltimore. In 1858 David Stewart (owner of the manor) passed away. The mansion was then be purchased by Dammann family. They would reside in the manor until 1901, when it then went to musician Robert Young; who only lived in the manor for 3 years. The old manor would sit vacant until 1930.

The manor was converted to home of one of Baltimore’s first radio stations. Extensive renovations changed the layout of the house dramatically. The radio station would then sell the property to the Baltimore School of Musical Arts. The school was founded with the intention of offering an identical program that was offered at Peabody, and in 1950 enrolled upwards of 300 students. As the inevitable history of this old manor progressed, the musical institute would close in 1955. In 1957 the manor began it’s final run as a special needs school for “trainable children”; and the BCPS (Baltimore City Public Schools) Headquarters. The Manor, “Upper-Crust School”, has sat vacant since 2006, and currently has no future.