Miller's Court already has gotten plenty of props here in Baltimore for providing affordable housing for teachers, but now the former tin-can factory in Charles Village has earned national recognition as a model of "smart" and green building.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency named the $21 million redevelopment as one of five projects receiving its annual "Smart Growth Achievement" awards. 

Originally built in 1874, Miller's Court was reclaimed from drug dealers and squatters and converted into apartments for teachers and offices for nonprofit groups.

Besides offerng relatively low-cost housing in a walkable urban setting close to shopping and other amenities, the building also was rehabbed to be easier on the environment.  Its developers are seeking LEED gold rating from the U.S. Green Building Council for its location and its features, such as large windows to reduce daytime lighting, enhanced air ventilation filters, less toxic paints and adhesives, and a greenhouse. 

The building at Howard and 26th streets was the work of developers Donald and Thibault Manekin with Seawall Development Co. 

UPDATE: The developer's at work on Union Mill, a repeat of its award-winning project.  It's a rehab of an old stone mill in Hamden into more teacher-discounted apartments and offices, promising "the latest in environmentally sustainable green design."

(View from Miller's Court apartment; photo courtesy EPA)