Dramatic stained glass windows, a magnificent curved staircase and exquisite period detail—once you enter our historic townhouse, you’ll understand why we’re proud of the historic building we’ve called home for over 39 years.
Located in the midtown Mount Vernon neighborhood, 1211 St. Paul Street is known affectionately as “The Paulton” (a reference to the cross streets of St. Paul and Preston). The house was built in 1884 for the wealthy Baltimore banker and philanthropist, Benjamin Franklin Newcomer, and designed by the local architectural firm of Wilson & Wilson, responsible for many other striking townhouses of that period.
The house was notable even at that time for its grandeur and beauty. A three story red brick house with brown stone trimmings, it was described in a newspaper article from the period as “exceedingly artistic on the exterior.”
Inside, as can still be seen today, no expense was spared. Large mirrors were carefully placed to reflect the rich stained glass windows, elaborately carved oak mantels installed above fireplaces, the ceilings beautifully frescoed—all arranged around the grand centerpiece, the stunning polished oak circular staircase, a rare sight in a residential house even for that time.
Newcomer lived in the house until his death in 1901. Later, as the house changed hands in the 20th century, it was neglected and ultimately divided into separate apartments. But in 1986, it was completely restored to its former splendor as a single office building, and soon after became the headquarters for Schochor, Staton, Goldberg and Cardea, P.A.. Today it’s become a central part of who we are—in fact, you’ll see the three ornate front windows in our company’s logo.