The Italianate brick row house at 1524 Hollins Street in Baltimore was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1985.

In 1983 the City of Baltimore acquired the H. L. Mencken House from the university, in exchange for the Old Pine Street Station.

With period furniture, his restored second-floor office, and backyard gazebo, the H. L. Mencken House opened as part of the City Life Museums and a center for theatrical, literary and musical events.

Although the City Life Museums closed in 1997, the landmark still displays a special commemorative plaque about its famous occupant.

A $3 million donation from retired naval commander Max Hency in 2018 allowed the organization to begin renovating the house, and it opened to the public in 2019, though only by prior reservation.