Century I Condos

Verified Building Facts

• Building Name: Century I
• Address: 9900 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842
• Location Type: Oceanfront
• Location Type: North Ocean City
• Year Built: 1975
• Building Type: High-rise
• Number of Units: 180
• Elevator Access: Yes
• Short Term Rentals: Yes

These facts are provided for informational purposes and should be independently verified during the purchase process.

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About Century I

Century I is a 25-story high-rise condominium building constructed in 1975, containing 180 units primarily composed of two-bedroom layouts. The building provides general amenities including an indoor pool, fitness center, and sauna, and is professionally managed on-site. Elevator access is available throughout the building, and parking is provided for one vehicle per unit, with additional spots on a first-come, first-served basis. The building allows owners to have pets, though renters and guests are restricted due to insurance requirements.

Situated on 9900 Coastal Highway in North Ocean City, Century I is part of the oceanfront area known locally as “Hi-Rise Row.” Its location places it near landmarks such as the Ocean City Free Public Library and various nearby restaurants. The building accommodates both second-home buyers and part-time rental owners, with units offering direct oceanfront views and the ability to participate in short-term rental programs. Its structure and amenities support a range of buyer needs without providing specific unit-level details.

Amenities at Century I

Century I offers a solid range of on-site amenities that support both personal use and rentals in its oceanfront North Ocean City location.

Amenities include:

• Indoor Pool
• Fitness center
• Sauna

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Floor Plans and Unit Types

Century I offers a more streamlined selection of floor plans focused on a specific unit style.

Common unit types include:

• 2-bedroom

Interior layouts, square footage, and finishes vary by unit, floor level, and ownership.

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Grant’s Local Insight on Century I

Century I is one of the most unique high-rise buildings in Ocean City, and it tends to be a very dividing property among my clients. People either absolutely love it, or they know right away it’s not for them.

The reason is the layout. Century I is one of the only high-rise buildings in town where two-story, townhome-style units are the standard. Each residence is shaped like an “L,” with a full floor-length of living space on one level and roughly half a floor-length on the other.

The building is staggered in a way that creates two very different experiences depending on the unit stack. Even-numbered stacks typically offer both floors with oceanfront views and one end on the bay (and are historically more expensive as a result). Odd-numbered stacks usually provide two floors of bayfront views with one end facing the ocean (and are typically slightly less expensive as a result). The layout and two-story design can make or break the building for certain buyers.

If this layout clicks for you, there’s truly nothing else like it in Ocean City. You get separation of space, dramatic views (from Ocean to Bay), and a living experience that feels more like a vertical townhome than a traditional condo.

Century I rewards buyers who understand how they want to live. When the fit is right, owners tend to be extremely happy. When it’s not, they usually know before they ever write an offer.

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Who Century I Is Best Suited For

Century I is typically best suited for:

• Part-time owner / part-time rental owners
• Buyers prioritizing oceanfront or water views
• Owners planning short-term rentals
• Second-home buyers
• Vacation-rental investors

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Common Buyer Mistakes at Century I

Some of the most common mistakes buyers make when evaluating Century I include:

• Assuming all units have the same view
• Assuming rental income is consistent across all units
• Not accounting for seasonal rental variability
• Underestimating traffic or seasonal congestion

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Rental and Investment Potential

Century I permits short-term rentals and has strong rental potential, with units often utilized by part-time owners and vacation renters. The building's oceanfront location and direct water views contribute to its appeal for rental occupancy, though rental performance can vary and should be evaluated carefully.

The building supports rental use through its combination of amenities, including an indoor pool and fitness center, as well as its recognized name within the Ocean City market. Buyers considering rentals should review building rules, local regulations, and seasonal patterns to make informed decisions.

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HOA Fees and Ownership Details

Homeowner association fees at Century I vary based on unit size and location. HOA fees generally contribute to building maintenance, amenity upkeep, insurance, management, and common area utilities.

Parking policies, pet rules, and rental guidelines should be reviewed during the contract process, as association policies may evolve over time.

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Century I Real Estate Market Trends

Market activity at Century I is generally moderate, supported by steady demand for a high-rise, direct oceanfront building in North Ocean City’s High-Rise Row. With high name recognition and professionally managed on-site operations, the building tends to attract second-home buyers, vacation-rental investors, and part-time owners who prioritize consistent oceanfront views and a straightforward amenity set. The amenity scope is moderate—centered on features like an indoor pool, fitness center, and sauna—which can appeal to buyers who value convenience without an oversized resort-style footprint.

Within Century I, pricing differences are typically tied to unit-specific factors such as interior condition and updates, as well as floor level, even though the building is known for direct oceanfront views across units. With limited floor plan variety focused on 2-bedroom residences, buyers often compare offerings by layout fit, maintenance, and how well the unit aligns with intended personal use or short-term rental plans. Practical ownership considerations, including parking configuration and the realities of a larger high-rise environment, are commonly weighed alongside the visible differences between individual units.

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Century I vs Nearby Condos

Century I usually comes up alongside Irene and Sea Watch first, mostly because they’re all recognizable high-rises with strong oceanfront presence. Sea Watch leans heavy into amenities and scale. Irene leans into oversized balconies and that dual-exposure feel. Pyramid and Atlantis enter when buyers start comparing unconventional layouts and building shape. Century I stands apart because of its two-story townhome-style units. You either love the L-shaped, split-living design, or you don’t. The buyers who love it tend to feel like there’s nothing else quite like it.

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Buying or Selling a Century I Property

Last reviewed by Grant Fritschle

Grant Fritschle is a second-generation Ocean City, Maryland real estate professional with nearly three decades of experience specializing in oceanfront, waterfront, and investment properties throughout Ocean City, MD and Fenwick Island, DE. He is known for his deep local knowledge, data informed guidance, and long term client relationships built on transparency and trust.

Last reviewed: February 2026

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