This May, the Carroll Mansion opened its doors as the All American House | 2016. The Lombard Street mansion, which dates to 1808, was the city home of Charles Carroll of Carrollton, the last living and only Roman Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence.

The mansion was chosen by the non-profit MADE: In America to host its All American House Exhibition because of its historical significance, excellent craftsmanship and design, and urban location. Student design teams from Morgan State University, Community College of Baltimore County, Stevenson University, and the George Washington/Corcoran School of Art+Design re-imagined the interior spaces of the Carroll Mansion in a modern light. Furnishings in the house showcase the best in American design and contemporary American products.

To get ready for the influx of visitors the All American House program attracts, several structural issues needed immediate attention. Carroll Museums Inc., the non-profit steward of the house, received a $15,000 Small Capital grant to help fund the improvements, including restoring 13 rotted exterior shutters and 2,000 square feet of interior wooden floors; fixing four cast-iron rain leaders to prevent water infiltration; and abating water damage to interior paint and plaster.

“We had a short amount of time to do a tremendous amount of work,” said Paula Hankins, executive director of Carroll Museums. “The small capital grant was a crucial factor to opening our doors for the All American House exhibition.”

The Carroll Mansion, and its refreshed interiors with contemporary American furnishings, is open Wednesdays through Sunday through July 10, 2016. Visit www.carrollmuseums.org for more information and to purchase discounted advance admission tickets.

Be sure to visit the mansion soon and see first-hand how BNHA’s Small Capital grants make a difference to our local architectural treasures!

A Stevenson University student group redesigned the mansion's parlor into a brightened, modern living space. (Photos courtesy of Stevenson University)