Welcome to Baltimore 21201!

I'm Stephen Brockelman and here's the story of how this website began and just why it's here. And, why we believe this site will continue to grow and will be constantly changing.

After living and working on the West Coast for the last fifteen years, Jacob Bouknight and I moved back to Baltimore in the Spring of 2006.

Our families, friends, associates and co-workers had a difficult time figuring out what Baltimore neighborhood we'd moved to. We had a more difficult time trying to explain, via phone calls and email, where we are now and why we're enjoying it so much here in Baltimore21201.

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Our friends would look up Baltimore on the Internet and find all of the great neighborhood association websites and ask:

"So, do you live in a place like Bolton Hill?"
     "Uh, no. That's northwest of downtown. But, we can walk there."

"Is it like Butcher's Hill? That area looks cool. Lots of artists."
     "No, it's not like that. Butcher's Hill is east of where we live."

"I found photos of a neighborhood called Roland Park online. It looks beautiful."
     "That's just a few minutes north of us and it IS beautiful."

"Are you around those amazing row houses in Federal Hill?"
     "That's south of where we live. We go there often..."

And so it went until someone finally asked the critical question:

"What is your neighborhood actually like? I just can't figure it out."
     I said, "The buildings are mostly high-rise. We live on the 26th floor. The views are outstanding. There's always something going on. It's like theatre outside our windows. It's Baltimore's... uh...uh..."

     And then, Jacob added the key phrase: "...Vertical Neighborhood! It's The Vertical Neighborhood!"

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Baltimore21201.Com was born and named, at least for us.

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What we are attempting to do is create, keep, and archive an up-to-date source for all things 21201.

The spot-art to the right - on this page and all others on this site - are images from old postcards of Baltimore. Though, all of the locations will not be within the boundaries of 21201.

Why, you ask?

Because, HON - (See, we're getting it) - all of Baltimore has something special to offer. Every neighborhood. Every institution. Every building. Every church... It's all pretty cool stuff. And, simply because we like to share this space.

As you look around and discover that we've missed something, someplace, or someone that should be included here... just go to the contact page and let us know. When you do, let us know about you. Personal stories about Baltimore's city center will make this website sing our city's praises. Now... GET IN ON IT.

Your input will keep this website growing and current. We hope you will help us tell others about our new neighborhood:
Baltimore 21201.

Bromo Seltzer Tower, ca. 1925

New Howard Hotel, ca. 1920

The Walters Art Gallery, ca. 1934
(Now: The Walters Art Museum)

Southern Hotel, ca. 1935