Located at 3401 Boston Street, Merritt Clubs Canton opened in 2003 with approximately 1,500 members. Today, over 7,000 members belong. Due to such an increase, the club began to experience overcrowding and complaints about limited parking.

Merritt and their design team were tasked with the challenge of solving limited parking issues and logistical and expansion requirements. Located in an urban setting in the middle of a busy professional and retail center, the site was constrained and expansion options seemed limited. Ultimately, the team determined that the best option was to build an 8-story expansion at the rear of the building and relocate the pool to the rooftop.  

Given the site’s proximity to the Inner Harbor and its geotechnical history, the existing ground was not capable of supporting an eight-story concrete framed structure. Therefore, a foundation system was designed using 180 steel piles that had to be driven into the ground at a minimum depth of 75’. Many of the piles had to be driven within 10’ of the existing operating club space, so the construction team closely monitored the existing structure to make sure no damage was created due to the vibrations and the overall pile-driving process.  Once the piles were installed, work began on the foundation and parking garage.

Once the garage was completed, two pools, a hot tub, and a bar and restaurant needed to be built—the largest rooftop pool deck in Baltimore. Additionally, locker rooms, bathrooms and an outdoor shower had to be added. And, all of this needed to be done while being exposed to winter weather elements. The rooftop pool deck is made of a pedestal paver system. Electrical and plumbing were installed under the raised pedestal platform, so the team utilized portable porcelain pavers to create a flooring surface, which hides and also provides convenient access to plumbing and electrical equipment.

Glass panels were installed around the perimeter of the 25,000-square-foot rooftop deck, providing unparalleled 360° views of Baltimore, and a full-service kitchen and bar was also added. In addition, elevator service provides convenient access from the parking garage and club to the rooftop.