A Fresh Start for Park Heights: Big Plans and Bigger Dreams

In Baltimore's Park Heights, a big change is coming. A group of organizations has joined forces to build something new. They have secured $44 million to create a mixed-use community. This project will bring affordable housing and spaces for businesses. The focus is on Belvedere Avenue, near the Pimlico Race Course. The team behind this project includes BRIDGES Community Development Corporation, Bon Secours Unity Properties, and WinnCompanies. They have gathered 10 empty lots that have been unused for years. Some buildings on these lots were torn down in the 1990s. The last commercial property will be removed in 2026. One of these lots used to be an auto shop. It will be demolished to make way for the new building's entrance. This project is not just about construction. It's about bringing life back to the community.The idea for this project came from a vision shared by Michael Gaines, the president of BRIDGES Community Development Corporation. His pastor at Manna Bible Baptist Church had a dream. They wanted to redevelop the area around the church. The plan includes fixing up empty homes, expanding the church's food pantry, and creating a park. The new affordable housing will be called Residences at Belvedere Place. The name Belvedere comes from Italian words meaning "beautiful view. " The hope is that people will want to live here because of the positive changes. Construction has already started. It is expected to finish in the spring of 2027. The goal is to bring vibrancy back to Park Heights. The faith community sees this as a chance to lead the way in revitalizing the neighborhood.