2040 East Pratt Street
Less than one year after assuming ownership of the vacant property at 2040 E. Pratt Street, Elijah Kelley sold what he had transformed into a palatial home for $725,000. He had purchased the Butcher’s Hill property for $195,000 at a One House At A Time auction.
“I am now looking for my next project,” said the charismatic Baltimore resident who has a “sense of duty” to his hometown, where he has purchased and rehabbed 15 properties. “The One House process is simple and straightforward,” Elijah commented. “This program differentiates itself by eliminating the red tape. I found it to be a pleasant experience.”
Elijah bought his first house in a tax sale from the City of Baltimore 11 years ago. He rehabbed it, then bought and rehabbed the two houses that flanked that one. From there, he turned his attention to other parts of the city.
“I gravitate toward blocks where there is strong homeownership,” explained Elijah. “I like to work on one or two blighted properties each year. I try to go to settlement quickly and apply for permits as soon as possible.”
"When I build, I build for longevity."
Elijah prefers to do his own designs, and he clearly has an eye. The historic Pratt Street property is stunning inside and out, from bottom to top, including the rooftop deck with its panoramic views. An elevator offers easy access to all four levels. “When I build, I build for longevity,” says Elijah, who changed the orientation of the elevator three times so it would be just right. “I want each house to be a place where people can stay for a long time.”
Historic preservation requirements caused some minor headaches during construction, such as changing out paint colors and deck railing material, but it was worth it, according to the builder. The resulting 10-year historic tax credit for the buyer helped clinch the sale.
Elijah Kelley has come a long way since starting life in Baltimore in a homeless shelter, after his family moved here to escape unsafe conditions. In addition to his successful property rehab business, he has a marketing company and has authored an e-book. “Baltimore is home,” he said. “It’s a very nice city, and I want to make it a better place, always.”
