A new Enoch Pratt Free Library branch, mixed-income apartments, a park and playing field will transform 42 vacant lots in East Baltimore’s Johnston Square community.
Officials broke ground Wednesday on the project at 1115 Forrest Street, along the Greenmount Avenue corridor.
“This is more than just a groundbreaking; it is a testament to the power of community-driven development,” said Sean Closkey, president of ReBUILD Metro, in a statement. “In most cases, great buildings like this are created without addressing the surrounding area, but this building is a cornerstone of a larger community reinvestment that is restoring over 300 vacant and at-risk properties into new homes and community assets. Residents will benefit whether they live in this building or across the street from it.”
The new “world class library” will feature “a business center, the latest technology, and interactive spaces for teens, children, and families,” among other resources for the Johnston Square community, said Darcell Graham, interim president and CEO of Enoch Pratt Free Library.
“This public/private partnership is newer model for the Enoch Pratt Free Library that we believe could be a roadmap for the future to help sustain the Pratt’s presence across Baltimore communities,” Graham said in a statement.
The project is being made possible through the partnership of ReBUILD Metro, Enoch Pratt Free Library, Somerset Development, New Community Partners LLC, and Rebuild Johnston Square Neighborhood Organization.
“Community redevelopment is an all-hands-on-deck endeavor,” said Jake Stern, Director of Development at Somerset Development, in a statement. “We are proud to work with our many partners to bring new amenity rich affordable housing to Johnston Square demonstrating that development without displacement is achievable.”
The Greenmount Park Apartments will feature 109 mixed-income affordable apartments, including one-, two-, and three-bedroom units for residents who earn between 30% and 80% of the area median income.
A new 4-acre park and playing field will serve as a space for community members from Johnston Square and beyond.
“This project is a milestone for Johnston Square,” said community leader Regina Hammond, the executive director of Rebuild Johnston Square Neighborhood Organization, in a statement. “It demonstrates that with shared goals and partnerships between mission-driven developers and community residents, we can transform our neighborhoods and create new opportunities while still honoring our heritage and ensuring our current residents remain in the neighborhood.”
Financing is being provided by partners Capital One, Boston Financial, Chase Bank, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, the Baltimore Department of Housing & Community Development, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, and the Baltimore Mayor’s Office of Recovery Programs.
“This groundbreaking milestone is the result of a significant community engagement process to create the Johnston Square Vision Plan,” said Desiree Francis, head of Community Finance at Capital One. “Capital One is proud to be part of the financing for Greenmount Park Apartments, which not only provides much-needed affordable housing for residents, but also contributes to greater community resilience.”
