PRESS RELEASE October 2, 2024
BDC Announces the Board of Estimates Approval of the Redevelopment of Key Downtown Intersection
$26 Million Sojourner Place at Park Project Marks Major Investment in West Side
Baltimore, MD—The Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) is pleased to announce that the Baltimore City Board of Estimates has approved a redevelopment agreement to transform one of downtown’s most prominent and long-neglected intersections. The $26 million project, named Sojourner Place at Park, will be led by the Episcopal Housing Corporation and Health Care for the Homeless and outlines the development of a 48,000-square-foot multi-family building in the historic Five and Dime District of Baltimore City’s downtown. The redevelopment project plans to convert the site at the corner of Fayette and Liberty Streets into a mixed-use development featuring affordable housing and permanent supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals.
Located at the critical transition point between the traditional Central Business District and the West Side of downtown, this redevelopment is seen as a significant step toward revitalizing the area. The project site, visible to tens of thousands of commuters daily, has long been viewed as a barrier to connecting these two important parts of the city. Its transformation is expected to significantly improve the overall perception and vibrancy of downtown Baltimore.
“This project signals a major change for an intersection that has long been a symbol of blight in the heart of downtown,” said Colin Tarbert, president and CEO of the BDC. “By bringing high-quality housing and commercial space to this location, Sojourner Place at Park is not only addressing critical needs like affordable housing and homelessness but also helping to bridge the gap between the Central Business District and the West Side, fostering connectivity and growth for years to come.”
The project incorporates 111 Park Ave and five adjacent properties (102-106 N Liberty St, 142-144 W Fayette St) into one cohesive residential community. By opening the party walls between a newly constructed building at 144 W Fayette and five redeveloped historic buildings, the new unified structure will create 42 one-bedroom units priced affordably for households with incomes ranging from 70% of Area Median Income (AMI) to 30% or less. Sojourner Place at Park will deliver primarily affordable housing units, with a portion dedicated to permanent supportive housing, a critical component of the city's broader homelessness strategy. Health Care for the Homeless, one of the partners in the project, will bring its expertise in providing housing stability and healthcare services to residents who have experienced homelessness.
"This project is a full-circle moment for us: our headquarters operated at this very location for two decades," said Kevin Lindamood, CEO of Health Care for the Homeless and President of HCH Real Estate Co. “Converting our former clinic into affordable housing is the fulfillment of our mission; it’s the very best way to end homelessness and improve health. And we’re proud to be part of this effort to revitalize our former neighborhood through Sojourner Place at Park."
In addition to housing, Sojourner Place at Park will include an engaging, community-facing ground-level residential lobby, elevator, controlled access, amenity rooms, as well as commercial retail space, providing opportunities for local businesses to thrive in this new and revitalized part of downtown. With its proximity to CFG Bank Arena, the project will build on the momentum generated by recent investments in the area’s entertainment offerings, helping to create a more vibrant, active downtown.
The project’s development team has been intentional in preserving the historical character of the site while also maximizing its potential to contribute to the downtown landscape. The Episcopal Housing Corporation has worked closely with city officials to ensure that the design respects the history of the area while meeting the city’s modern needs.
"This development is part of a wave of investment that is transforming the West Side of downtown," said Dan McCarthy, Executive Director of Episcopal Housing Corporation. "With new residential and commercial offerings, Sojourner Place at Park is helping to create a downtown that is active beyond business hours, fostering a safer, more engaging environment for residents, workers, and visitors alike."
The Sojourner Place at Park project’s redevelopment of the Fayette and Liberty Street intersection marks a continued commitment to revitalizing Baltimore’s downtown core. For more information about the BDC’s ongoing economic development efforts on the westside, please see our latest feature in the Baltimore Sun.
About the Baltimore Development Corporation
The Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) is the economic development agency for theCity of Baltimore. Our mission is to grow the city’s economy in an inclusive manner by retaining, expanding, and attracting businesses and promoting investment, thereby increasing career opportunities for residents. For more information about BDC, visit www.baltimoredevelopment.com.
