Columbus School Apartments in Baltimore: Converted Historic Building Near Canton

Columbus School Apartments is a 57-unit residential building in Baltimore's Canton neighborhood, housed in a repurposed 1920s school structure on the 2300 block of Boston Street. The building offers one- and two-bedroom layouts in a walkable waterfront district with access to restaurants, retail, and the Inner Harbor, situated roughly equidistant between Fells Point and Highlandtown.

What Columbus School Apartments actually is

The property occupies a former elementary school, preserving original architectural details including exposed brick, high ceilings, and large windows while meeting modern building codes. Units range from 650 to 950 square feet. The building is managed by a Baltimore-based property company and attracts renters seeking both character and proximity to Canton's commercial corridor. It sits in a neighborhood with rising demand; Canton's walkability and lower rents compared to Fells Point or Federal Hill draw young professionals and established residents alike.

Rental rates and lease terms

One-bedroom units at Columbus School typically rent between $1,400 and $1,650 per month; two-bedroom units range from $1,800 to $2,100, depending on floor and exposure. These figures reflect mid-2024 market rates and should be confirmed directly with the leasing office, as rents adjust seasonally and with turnover. Standard leases run 12 months. The application process requires proof of income (generally 3 times the monthly rent), a credit check, and one month's security deposit plus first month's rent due at signing.

How it compares to other Baltimore apartment options

Canton itself offers scattered older converted properties and newer construction, but few with the same footprint as a historic school building. The Highlandtown area immediately south offers more recent residential development at similar price points but in multi-story buildings without the distinctive ceiling heights. Federal Hill, one mile northwest, commands a 15 to 20 percent premium for newer construction and closer waterfront access. Fells Point, one mile northeast, runs 20 to 30 percent higher due to nightlife proximity and tighter supply. Canton appeals to renters who value walkability and character over the density or prestige associated with those neighborhoods.

Who this suits and who it does not

Columbus School works for renters comfortable with older building systems, who appreciate exposed brick and skylights, and who want a residential neighborhood rather than a nightlife district. The conversion preserves many original elements, which means quirks: uneven floors, thick walls that sometimes complicate cell service, and HVAC systems that vary unit to unit. Families with young children find the neighborhood appealing and safe, though the building's age means fewer modern amenities like fitness centers or package rooms. Renters seeking new finishes, in-unit laundry, or a gym should look at newer construction in Canton or Federal Hill. Those prioritizing proximity to the harbor and retail should compare with Fells Point, where the waterfront is closer and foot traffic is higher.

What to expect on a first visit

Schedule a leasing appointment through the building's main office. Staff will walk you through available floor plans, explain utility responsibilities, and clarify which amenities are shared (typically a lobby lounge and roof deck with views toward Fell's Point). Bring ID and proof of income to move quickly if you want to apply same-day. The leasing office is typically staffed weekday mornings and early afternoons; evening and weekend hours should be confirmed. Parking is either street-only or through a separate lease for a nearby lot; confirm your building's arrangement and monthly cost when you tour.

Location and logistics

Columbus School Apartments sits on Boston Street between Eastern Avenue and Grundy Street, well within Canton's main commercial stretch. The #3 and #8 Charm City Circulator buses stop nearby, connecting to the Inner Harbor and downtown without a car. The nearest grocery is a Harris Teeter approximately 0.3 miles south; Canton Marketplace and local shops surround the building. Street parking is first-come, first-served and can be tight during weekday hours; ask the leasing office about resident lot options and costs. For those driving to work, I-83 is roughly 2 miles away, and the Jones Falls Expressway is accessible via a few secondary streets.

Columbus School Apartments represents one of Baltimore's few true adaptive-reuse apartments at this price point, offering tenants a foothold in a neighborhood that has matured beyond temporary student housing while avoiding the premium tied to Fells Point's tourist corridor.