Moorish Keyhole Houses
Unique Style, Within Blocks of Afro-Centric Landmarks

H.H. Richardson

The Moorish Keyhole Houses have long-been considered architecturally unique and significant, dating to the late 1800s. This row was and is home to many prominent African American Baltimoreans. Among them was J. Howard Payne (1887-1960), a distinguished Baltimore African American politician and attorney who was educated in Baltimore public schools and was a graduate of Howard University Law School. As a member of St. Pius’ Roman Catholic Church and a friend of James Cardinal Gibbons, he provided advice to the Cardinal on matters pertaining to African American Catholics in the Archdiocese. Through his talks and writings, he actively promoted racial understanding and good will.

Moorish Keyhole Houses

The Keyhole Houses’ architectural style is based on H.H. Richardson’s work. Significant to his style was the use of arches–some in semi-circular fashion—over columns, and round arches over windows. He is one of a few architects to have a style named after him: Richardsonian Romanesque. These aptly-named Keyhole Houses in Baltimore reflect this style-point. The eloquent architecture of these properties and other row houses in the area will surely play a roll in the area’s long-term revitalization plans. The neighborhood remains one of the Mid-Atlantic’s prominent African American communities, and is within walking distance to dozens of historic landmarks with Afro-centric appeal.

1500 block, McCulloh Street, Baltimore, MD 21217