William Donald Schaefer Building

The William Donald Schaefer Building is a tall modern tower in downtown Baltimore with 37 floors and a distinctive copper-colored metal roof. It now functions as a state administrative center housing over 1,100 employees from multiple Maryland government agencies.

The structure was originally built in 1986 for a savings and loan company but was acquired by Maryland state authorities just six years later. It reopened in 1992 under state management and has served as a government office center ever since.

The building honors William Donald Schaefer, a major figure in Baltimore's modern history who served as mayor and later governor. This naming reflects how the city marks important local leaders in its architecture.

The building stands prominently in downtown Baltimore and is easy to spot thanks to its height and distinctive copper-colored roof. As a state office building, it is accessible during regular weekday business hours, though visitors should note it primarily serves administrative functions.

The tower is crowned by one of Maryland's most distinctive features: a flagpole that stretches 210 meters (690 feet) high, rising from the building's top. Several upper floors remain empty and unoccupied, adding to the structure's unusual character.

Location: Baltimore

Inception: 1986

Official opening: 1992

Architectural style: modern architecture

Floors above the ground: 37

GPS coordinates: 39.28980,-76.61410

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:49