Urban Design Group led the adaptive reuse of the historic Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Baltimore’s Highlandtown Arts & Entertainment District, transforming it into The Hamlet Lofts—a vibrant mixed-use building with ten residential units and one commercial space. Balancing preservation goals with financial and construction constraints, the firm collaborated closely with the Maryland Historic Trust to retain defining architectural features such as original stained glass, pine flooring, and pendant lighting while adapting the sanctuary’s open volume for modern living. Through strategic design adjustments and responsive project management, Urban Design Group navigated evolving site conditions and market challenges to maintain both schedule and budget. The completed project preserves the church’s historic character while introducing new residential and commercial life, revitalizing a once-distressed property and strengthening the fabric of this dynamic, transitional neighborhood.