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The Sarah Ann Alley Houses were built in 1870. They were financed by the wealthy Baltimorean merchant Miles White, brother-in-law of Johns Hopkins. Apart from a few European immigrant families, the Sarah Ann Alley Houses have always been inhabited by Black and non-white working class Baltimoreans. By 1880, just ten years after their creation, the houses were almost completely occupied by Black residents.
In 2020, after acquiring the 11 remaining properties, the City condemned the houses and served notices of relocation to the residents. Many of the residents here had deep connections to Poppleton and did not want to leave. In 2021, Organize Poppleton and Poppleton Now fought for the preservation of the Sarah Ann Alley Houses. Black Women Build, a nonprofit, helped rehabilitate the homes and worked with residence who wish to return.
Under the justification of their long history of black ownership and after years of advocacy from the Poppleton neighborhood, Mayor Scott signed into legislation the “Sarah Ann Street Local Historic District” on April 3 of 2023. The houses should never again face threats of demolition.
Come learn about the history and renovations currently underway at this newly-designated Sarah Ann Street Local Historic District!
