The Fitzgerald at UB Midtown in Baltimore: Student Housing Near UMBC's Urban Campus

The Fitzgerald is a purpose-built student apartment complex in the Midtown corridor, located steps from the University of Baltimore's downtown campus and designed to house undergraduate and graduate students seeking proximity to classes without the residential college experience.

What the Fitzgerald actually is

The Fitzgerald operates as a private student housing development managed for residents attending UB and nearby institutions. It sits on West Franklin Street in Midtown, a neighborhood that has consolidated much of Baltimore's urban student population in recent years. Unlike dormitory housing, it functions as a standard apartment complex with individual leases, shared amenities, and no residential life programming. The building offers both one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans, accommodating students who want independence from campus housing but immediate access to UB's classrooms and the surrounding neighborhood.

Unit types and pricing

Monthly rent for one-bedroom units starts at approximately $1,200 and ranges to $1,400 depending on floor and amenity tier. Two-bedroom units run from $1,500 to $1,800 per month. Most leases are 12-month terms, though some 10-month options aligned to the academic calendar appear during peak signing periods (verification recommended, as pricing shifts seasonally). Utility costs are tenant responsibility and typically add $80 to $150 monthly depending on usage and season. A security deposit equal to one month's rent is standard, and application fees around $50 to $75 are common.

Furnished and unfurnished options are available. Furnished units command a premium of roughly $200 to $300 monthly over unfurnished equivalents, making them most practical for graduate students or those staying only one year. The building does not offer meal plans; tenants cook independently or use Midtown restaurants.

How the Fitzgerald compares to other Baltimore student housing

The Midtown corridor hosts several competing properties. The Bozzuto Group operates multiple student complexes in the area, including buildings closer to Johns Hopkins University's Homewood campus; those properties tend toward higher price points ($1,600 to $2,000 for comparable units) but offer more recent construction and on-site parking garages. For UB-specific proximity, the Fitzgerald is difficult to beat. The Argentum, another Midtown property, sits roughly equidistant from UB and charges similar rents but emphasizes luxury finishes and attracts more upper-middle-class students than the traditional student demographic.

University of Baltimore's own residence hall, which houses roughly 600 students, costs approximately $1,000 per month including utilities but requires enrollment as a full-time student and offers no lease independence. Students choosing the Fitzgerald over the residence hall typically prioritize privacy, kitchen access, and the ability to move out midyear without penalty.

Compared to rental houses in Federal Hill or Canton, the Fitzgerald trades neighborhood character and outdoor space for walkability to campus and on-site laundry. Houses in those neighborhoods rent for $400 to $600 per person for a three-person share, but commute to UB runs 15 to 25 minutes by transit.

Who the Fitzgerald suits and who it does not

The Fitzgerald works well for graduate students, upper-level undergraduates with stable income or family support, and anyone requiring 12-month tenancy over a summer internship. It attracts international students who need furnished units and don't want to negotiate furniture logistics.

The property is poorly suited for students on minimal budgets, as it lacks the cost advantage of shared houses. Students prioritizing outdoor space, parking, or a social dormitory environment should consider alternatives. Those attending UB for only a semester or looking for month-to-month flexibility will encounter lease restrictions.

What to expect on a first visit

Prospective tenants should schedule a tour through the leasing office, located in the building's ground-floor entrance. Tours typically run 20 minutes and include a model unit and common areas. Bring a driver's license and proof of income (pay stub, financial aid letter, or parent co-signer documentation). The leasing team processes applications same-day; approval or conditional approval usually comes within 48 hours if documentation is complete.

Lease signing occurs on the property. The building requires a co-signer for most undergraduate applicants; graduate students and those with documented income may sign alone. Move-in is typically coordinated on the first of the month or within a day's flexibility either direction.

Location and logistics

The Fitzgerald occupies 10 West Franklin Street, a 10-minute walk from UB's main classrooms and library. The 91 and 3 bus lines stop two blocks away, connecting to other campuses and downtown transit. On-site parking is limited and typically costs $75 to $100 per month for a reserved space; street parking is available but unreliable.

Leasing hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (verify current hours before visiting). The building maintains a 24-hour front desk and allows guests until 11 p.m. on weeknights.

The Fitzgerald fills fastest in February and March for fall move-in; students should apply by April to secure preferred units. Spring move-in (January) encounters less competition and often yields minor lease concessions.