The Pleasures of Roland Park – a Baltimore Neighborhood

Like many other areas of Baltimore, Roland Park has roots in history that date back before the Revolution. But unlike other areas, areas of this hilly section of Maryland are unchanged from those days. Though part of Baltimore City since 1918, sections of this neighborhood remain as they were when the land was granted to Charles Merryman beginning in 1703. Because of the rugged topography with deep ravines cut into the hills, much of the land in the north and west of Roland Park was never cultivated. It is still possible to find old growth trees here, alive since colonial times.

The land passed through several families by inheritance and intermarriage until, in 1891, development of Roland Park began as a summer retreat for affluent city-dwellers looking for a cool alternative to the steamy downtown. Two additions became selling points for the new neighborhood: The Baltimore Country Club, organized in 1898 with large park-like area, and the Roland Park "shopping center," one of the first in the United States. Constructed in 1896, it was the first such center to provide off-street parking, a convenience later copied all over the country.

Though it has a rich history, most of this neighborhood's development occurred in the early 1900's. Roland Park benefited from the work of Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr., in public park development in New York and Philadelphia. These widely publicized examples encouraged comprehensive planning and giving recognition to the value of unique site characteristics. Roland Park's hills and ravines became assets that fortunately were preserved for the future.

In 1901 the Roland Park Company expanded its development while allowing for areas designed to follow the natural contours of the land. Many styles of suburban architecture are seen here including half-timbered English Tudor, revived versions of Georgian and Regency styles and original designs identified with the British "Arts and Crafts" movement. Roland Park's variety of architectural styles is unified by an abundance of trees, plants, and flowers.

As one of the first planned communities in the country, land-use restrictions were incorporated in property deeds to protect and maintain the landscape and architectural integrity of the neighborhood; property owners are still legally required to pay a basic fee.

Every neighborhood has some quirks and points of interest. Roland Park has the Water Tower, an octagonal, 148-foot structure, that has served as a local landmark throughout most of the community's history. Spring water was pumped 70 feet high into the tower and distributed under pressure through a large main to every community residence. This monumental Italianate tower stored water until 1930, when Baltimore City switched the community to the reservoir system. Now closed and empty, the tower remains a local landmark.

And of interest to book lovers, the reclusive author Anne Tyler – a Baltimore resident – sets many of her novels in Roland Park.

Roland Park is part of Baltimore City, but its hilly terrain, stately old homes, and mature trees still provide a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of downtown.

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