The Victory House – a 7,074 sq. ft., 39-bedroom, two-bathroom residence at 1702-1708 Light St. – has been condemned and shut down by Housing and Community Development (HCD) due to structural issues, according Councilman Eric Costello. This action was a result of a coordinated inspection on Wednesday by the Office of Emergency Management, Health Department, Fire Department, HCD, and Baltimore Police Department (BPD), all of which are continuing an ongoing investigation. Individuals living at the property were relocated by the City into temporary housing.

This follows a BPD Search and Seizure warrant with assistance from the Health Department that was conducted on May 18th resulting in “at least one arrest,” according to Councilman Costello, who also noted that buckets of urine and feces were found in the building. A search and seizure warrant was also conducted at the Victory House in June of last year, resulting in two arrests and the recovery of heroin.

The Victory House could reopen for occupancy if the structural issues are resolved and the property passes an inspection. However, a vacant building notice was issued yesterday, so the owner would also need to obtain a Use & Occupancy permit, according to Councilman Costello. The property is currently owned by an LLC based in Prince George’s County, but it was listed for sale on Tuesday. There will be an onsite auction on Wednesday, July 13th at 2pm with an opening bid at $400,000.

Update: The highest bid at the auction was $450,000, but it was not accepted by the owner. Negotiations were ongoing between the highest bidder and auction company after the auction. More than 50 people were in attendance.

Members of the community have often expressed their concerns and frustrations about the Victory House during Riverside Neighborhood Association (RNA) and South Baltimore Neighborhood Association (SBNA) meetings. It has additionally been a common topic of conversation during the RNA/SBNA Citizens on Patrol Walks, including one with BPD Commissioner Kevin Davis earlier this year.

Councilman Costello said for members of the community to call 911 if they see individuals breaking into the property (note: 1700 Light St. at the corner is not part of the Victory House).

The Victory House is the second residence to be shut down in the immediate area as 1701 Light St., across the street from the Victory House, was seized by the State of Maryland on a violation of the Drug Nuisance Abatement Law. That property is currently under construction and will become two homes.

About the Author: Kevin Lynch Founder and Publisher of SouthBmore.com, longtime resident of South Baltimore, and a graduate of Towson University. Diehard Ravens and O's fan, beach volleyball enthusiast, dog lover, and "bar food" foodie. Email me at Founder and Publisher of SouthBmore.com, longtime resident of South Baltimore, and a graduate of Towson University. Diehard Ravens and O's fan, beach volleyball enthusiast, dog lover, and "bar food" foodie. Email me at [email protected] and follow me on Twitter at @SoBoKevin