Bromo Seltzer Tower: Baltimore’s Iconic Landmark

Bromo Seltzer Tower in Baltimore Photo: Kjssws. PD Via Wikimedia

Unlock the secrets of the Bromo Seltzer Tower in Baltimore. This iconic landmark offers fascinating history, artist studios, and breathtaking city panoramas.

BY KAZEEM ADELEKE, ARTCENTRON

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND– The Emerson Tower, widely known as the Bromo-Seltzer Tower, stands as a timeless symbol of Baltimore’s architectural and cultural heritage. This iconic landmark, a prominent feature of the city’s skyline, embodies a rich narrative of industrial innovation and artistic transformation. Rising 15 stories high and reaching 88 meters (289 feet), this distinctive clock tower was completed between 1907 and 1911. It commands attention at 21 South Eutaw Street in downtown Baltimore. For over a century, the Bromo-Seltzer Tower Baltimore has been a beacon of innovation, creativity, and important historical significance. It draws visitors and locals alike with its unique charm and compelling story.

The Bromo-Seltzer Tower History

Design and Construction of the Baltimore Bromo-Seltzer Tower

Joseph Evans Sperry, a celebrated local architect renowned for his distinctive designs, meticulously designed Baltimore’s Bromo-Seltzer Tower. Isaac Edward Emerson, the visionary inventor of the ubiquitous Bromo-Seltzer headache remedy, commissioned this ambitious project. Sperry’s architectural masterpiece drew direct inspiration from the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, Italy. This imposing and magnificent building was the captivating vision Emerson conceived during a European tour in 1900. This deliberate nod to Italian Renaissance architecture imbues the tower with a grandeur typically reserved for European landmarks. Initially, the Bromo-Seltzer Tower Baltimore was the central hub for the Emerson Drug Company. It housed both its administrative offices and the bustling factory. Additionally, the famous Bromo-Seltzer remedy was manufactured in this impressive building, symbolizing a nexus of commerce and innovation.

From 1911 to 1923, the Bromo-Seltzer Tower proudly reigned as Baltimore’s tallest building. Its presence was a testament to its imposing stature and the city’s burgeoning development. It retained this prestigious title until the construction of the Citizens National Bank building, which subsequently claimed the distinction. The tower’s construction utilized advanced engineering techniques for its era. Its unique architectural style showcases a blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal that sets it apart. More importantly, its strategic downtown location further cemented its status as a vital urban landmark, visible from various points across the city.

The Iconic Bromo-Seltzer Tower Clock

One of the Bromo-Seltzer Tower’s most captivating and defining features is its monumental four-dial clock. It was diligently installed by the renowned Seth Thomas Clock Company. Each translucent white glass dial measures an impressive 24 feet in diameter. This scale makes them visible from significant distances. The minute and hour hands stretch 12 feet and 10 feet, respectively. They are proportionally grand, contributing to the clock’s striking visual impact. Uniquely, the clock replaces traditional numerical figures with the letters “B-R-O-M-O S-E-L-T-Z-E-R.” This insertion of the product’s name ingeniously advertised it while simultaneously creating a distinctive and memorable landmark. The Seth Thomas Clock Company’s innovative design decision made it a standout engineering marvel of its time. Not surprisingly, it drew admiration for its ingenuity and bold marketing.

In the beginning, a complex gravity-driven mechanism powered the clock, showcasing the mechanical prowess of early 20th-century engineering. In 1975, the clock underwent modernization and was electrified, simplifying its operation. However, a significant restoration in 2017 returned it to its original weight-driven mechanism. The renovation honored its historical integrity, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship involved. The tower once featured a massive 51-foot blue Bromo-Seltzer bottle. It was famously illuminated and rotating atop the structure, a spectacle visible from 20 miles away. Although structural concerns led to its removal in 1936, this iconic bottle remains a cherished part of Baltimore’s urban lore. It symbolizes the Bromo-Seltzer Tower’s original purpose in Baltimore and its enduring legacy.

The Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower

From Factory to Arts Hub: The Modern Bromo-Seltzer Tower

After the original Emerson Drug Company factory’s demolition in 1969, the site underwent a significant transition. It became the location for the John Steadman Fire Station, a notable example of Brutalist architecture. However, the tower itself embarked on a dramatic and inspiring transformation in the early 2000s, charting a new course for its historical structure. In 2007, the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts (BOPA) spearheaded a visionary project. The organization converted the historic building into the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower. This ambitious conversion revitalized the building, offering coveted studio spaces for a diverse array of creatives. Among them are visual artists, writers, photographers, and other artistic professionals.

With this transformation, the organization established a dynamic new purpose for the Bromo-Seltzer Tower Baltimore. This strategic revitalization breathed new life into the historic structure, transforming it from an industrial relic into a thriving artistic community. The repurposing aligned with Baltimore’s broader cultural development initiatives, recognizing the importance of preserving historical assets while fostering contemporary creativity. The studios provide an invaluable resource for artists, offering physical space. Additionally, it became a collaborative environment that encourages artistic exchange and growth. The Bromo-Seltzer Tower conversion exemplifies a successful model of adaptive reuse, where historical preservation meets modern utility.

Experience Art in the Tower

Today, the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower stands as a vibrant cultural hub, drawing visitors into its unique blend of history and contemporary art. It actively contributes to Baltimore’s artistic landscape, providing a dynamic platform for both emerging and established artists. Visitors can explore a multitude of artist studios, gaining intimate insights into the creative process and directly interacting with the artists themselves. The tower regularly hosts diverse exhibitions and engaging receptions, showcasing a wide range of artistic disciplines and styles. These events provide excellent opportunities to discover and even purchase original artwork, directly supporting local and regional talents.

Further enhancing the visitor experience is the Bromo Seltzer History Museum. Thoughtfully located on the 15th floor, it offers a captivating journey into the Bromo-Seltzer Tower Baltimore’s storied past. This dedicated museum houses an impressive collection of rare cobalt blue glass bottles, a distinctive hallmark of the original Bromo-Seltzer product, along with a wealth of memorabilia. These curated displays provide a fascinating window into the tower’s origins, the history of the Emerson Drug Company, and the cultural impact of the Bromo-Seltzer remedy, deepening visitors’ understanding of this iconic landmark.

J. David Ehlers, The Inner Harbor at Pier 4. The artist was one of the recent resident artists at the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower. Image courtesy of the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower.

Why Visit the Bromo-Seltzer Tower in Baltimore?

The Bromo-Seltzer Tower Baltimore offers an array of compelling reasons for a visit, catering to diverse interests from art enthusiasts to history buffs.

Explore the Clock Room: For a nominal fee of just $8, guests can embark on an unforgettable ascent to the 16th floor via a ship’s ladder. This unique experience provides an unparalleled opportunity to witness the intricate inner workings of the monumental clock mechanism up close, a marvel of engineering. From this vantage point, visitors also enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Baltimore cityscape, stretching across the Inner Harbor and beyond.

Art and Exhibitions: The tower is a dynamic showcase for local and regional artistic talent. Visitors can discover a diverse range of artworks spanning various mediums and styles, presented in regularly changing free exhibitions and engaging receptions. These events offer a chance to engage with the vibrant local art scene and potentially acquire unique pieces.

Historical Insights: Explore the rich history of Bromo-Seltzer and the Emerson Drug Company through thoughtfully curated displays and fascinating artifacts within the Bromo Seltzer History Museum. This immersive experience offers a deep dive into the industrial and cultural legacy embedded within the tower’s walls.

Emerson Bromo-Seltzer Tower Tour

The Bromo-Seltzer Tower Baltimore welcomes the public every Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It provides ample opportunity to immerse yourself in its blend of art, history, and architectural innovation. Planning your visit during these hours ensures access to the studios and museum and the opportunity to experience the clock room.

The Baltimore’s Bromo-Seltzer Tower historical significance received formal recognition through its listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. This designation underscores its importance as a national architectural and cultural asset. Furthermore, the tower is an integral part of the Baltimore National Heritage Area, a testament to its role in shaping the city’s identity and preserving its heritage. Its enduring presence serves as a powerful testament to Baltimore’s rich history and its vibrant, ever-evolving arts scene, symbolizing the city’s commitment to preserving its past while fostering its future.

Cultural Equity and Community Engagement

BOPA’s dedicated efforts in maintaining and promoting the Tower reflect its unwavering commitment to cultural equity. The initiative ensures that Baltimore’s diverse communities are both represented and actively supported within the city’s artistic landscape. Through major city-wide events like Light City and Artscape, BOPA actively fosters a creative, inclusive, and accessible environment for all residents and visitors. These programs extend the Bromo-Seltzer Tower Baltimore’s influence beyond its physical walls, integrating it into the broader cultural fabric of Baltimore.

Plan Your Visit to the Tower

Whether you identify as an ardent art enthusiast, a dedicated history buff, or a fascinated mechanical engineering fan, the Bromo-Seltzer Tower in Baltimore genuinely offers something enriching for everyone. Its compelling history, distinct and captivating architecture, and dynamic arts community collectively make it an essential, must-visit destination in downtown Baltimore. Do not miss the opportunity to explore this iconic landmark and experience its unique charm.