The interior of the “Icosikaidigon” now the B&O Railroad Museum. Image courtesy A.Currell (Flickr).

Yes, most people know you simply as “The Roundhouse,” but I know you better than that. You aren’t round, you are an icosikaidigon, or twenty two sided polygon.

To the generations of railroad workers who toiled beneath you, your beauty and elegance were not fully appreciated as a cathedral of industry, a sacred site for the burgeoning America.

Your flying buttresses shelter passenger cars rather than parishioners, and locomotives instead of firebrand preachers.

Humbly nestled in West Baltimore, I know what a wonder you are. A part of the city history, and a phoenix from the ashes to welcome the bright new future. I love you. We love you.

Love,

Steve

Steven Madewell is a historian of technology and dad to two wonderful kids who happen to love trains.

Want to have your love letter to a Baltimore building featured? Visit http://baltimorearchitecture.org/love-letters-to-baltimore-buildings/ for details on how to submit.