Baltimore, MD

Standing alone, in some of the worst neighborhoods, these nineteenth century structures were once attached to similar row houses that made up entire city blocks. Time and major demographic changes have resulted in the decay and demolition of many such blocks of row houses. Occasionally, one house is spared – literally cut off from its neighbors and left to the elements with whatever time it has left. Still retaining traces of its former glory, the last house standing is often still occupied.—Ben Marcin

Last House Standing reads like a tribute to the forgotten solo row house, an “architectural quirk” as German born, Baltimore-based photographer Ben Marcin calls them. Shot around Baltimore, Philly and New Jersey, Marcin catalogs these solitary buildings that at one time weren’t as lonely as they are now. Their placement in the urban landscape feels strange yet appealing, almost like portals to other dimensions—a case of when it stands alone, it stands out.

Camden, NJ

Baltimore, MD

Camden, NJ

Philadelphia, PA

Baltimore, MD

Baltimore, MD

Camden, NJ

Baltimore, MD

Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia, PA

Baltimore, MD

via the TYPOLOGIST