Former Marconi’s restaurant building sold, will be converted to apartments

Another landmark Baltimore eatery will soon bite the dust for good.

The three-story downtown rowhouse that once held Maison Marconi sold to new owners and will soon be converted to apartments.

State records show the Marconi’s property at 106 W. Saratoga St. changed hands to Charm City Development Co. for $260,000 on April 5. The seller was Artemis Properties, the real estate firm of Orioles owner Peter Angelos that purchased Marconi’s in April 2000 for $124,800.

Sean Sigmon, a partner in Charm City Development, said the group is aiming to convert the 4,800-square-foot Marconi’s building into 10 one and two-bedroom apartment units by mid-2020.

Angelos shuttered the restaurant on June 18, 2005 and it has been closed ever since despite frequent hopes and rumors that it one day would reopen. Marconi’s began its run in the building in 1920.

It was known for its tuxedo-clad waiters who served French, Italian and continental house specialties like lobster Cardinale, oysters Pauline, broiled lamb chops, spaghetti, chopped salad and hot fudge sauce over a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The dining rooms were tastefully decorated with pistachio green walls, white woodwork and crystal chandeliers. Diners were seated in small groups at round tables spaced throughout the rowhouse. Famous patrons included The Evening Sun’s H.L. Mencken, Irving Berlin and Sinclair Lewis among other business leaders and foodies.

Charm City Development owns 15 other historic properties downtown that it has converted to office and residential space, including 108 W. Saratoga St. next door to Marconi’s that now holds seven apartment units that opened in October.

“The block is just now being developed,” Sigmon said. “We’re going to put in luxury-style apartments, but maintain the historic architecture.”

When asked if he was familiar with the culinary and cultural history of Maison Marconi in Baltimore, he demurred.

“Not exactly,” Sigmon said. “But my dad used to work downtown and I’m sure he ate there.”