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Flag House Courts

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Flag House Courts was a public housing project located in Baltimore, Maryland. Comprising three 12-story buildings, and multiple low-rise units. Flag House was built in 1955. The project had recreational facilities with bingo and dances, a swimming pool, and a basketball court. However, the complex had problems from its opening. Elevators broke down often, trapping riders for hours. Residents were forced to run fans (even during winter) because a faulty heating system made the buildings unbearably hot. In addition, there were the problems of crime and drug dealing. By the late 1960s, gunshots were very common, elevators and the stairwells reeked of urine. Residents often threw objects out of windows including holiday Christmas trees. Vacant apartments were turned into drug hangouts, and stairwells became violent crime areas.

In 1993, the projects were renovated slightly, but problems continued. They closed in 1998 and 1999 and were imploded in 2001.

  • In The Wire, Ellis Carver mentions growing up in the Flag House Projects in one episode.
  • References

    Flag House Courts Wikipedia