The 10 townhomes that comprise Roland Gate were built on land that originally was a big commercial business. It was the fact that the homes could blend into an already existing site that first attracted the attention of Pat Massey, president of Metroscape Development, which built the community.
“I think it’s a very environmentally friendly way to develop, by doing in-fill in existing neighborhoods,” Massey said. “It’s a good way to do your little part to stop sprawl. Build on the infrastructure that the city has so people don’t have to travel, so they can hook into already existing amenities in the neighborhood.”
That’s precisely what attracted Meg Manley to the development.
“I love Roland Park, and I was looking to get into the Roland Park school district,” she said. “I also liked that you can walk to some restaurants and parks, that’s some of the city life I was missing.”
Once the location got Manley in the door, the craftsmanship of the residences sold her. Each home has garage parking and outdoor living space, either a porch off the living room or patio or deck off the kitchen and dining area.
There is vaulted space on the top floor, which some people use for a master suite, others for an art studio or office. Kitchens in the 24-foot-wide homes have granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and open floor plans.
“They’re very wide for a contemporary townhouse,” Massey said. “Most are 18 feet, maybe if you’re lucky, 20 feet. These townhouses, they’re not shallow, they’re 36 feet deep. Even if you’re not at an end you get a huge amount of light in them. They’re designed for a casual, contemporary lifestyle, cooking in the kitchen, serving in the little dining room or family room. You don’t get a cramped feeling.”
Located about three blocks from I-83, Roland Gate is nestled between Roland Park and Hampden. Downtown Baltimore is just 10 minutes away.
Still, despite that location, Manley needed more to be convinced that Roland Gate was the place for her.
“I’ve been a real estate developer for 15 years, so I stopped in one day just because I was curious,” she said. “I was extremely impressed by the quality of the construction. The workmanship was terrific — there were no [corners cut].”
At-A-Glance
- Development: Roland Gate
- Builder: Metroscape Development, Baltimore, Md.
- Description: 10 townhouses located between Roland Park and Hampden in Baltimore City.
- List Price: Three-bedroom: $449,000. Five-bedroom: $539,000
- Contact: Sue Heisler, sales contact, 443-388-1159
