Tuesday, July 16, 2024—Baltimore, MD—Pennsylvania Avenue Main Street hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, for its new office and welcome center at 1829 Pennsylvania Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21217. The ceremony was open to all community members who wished to celebrate and learn more about revitalizing historic Pennsylvania Avenue.
The new office and welcome center will serve as a hub for community engagement, providing resources and information about ongoing and future revitalization efforts. The space will also support small business development and growth along the corridor. It aims to be a place where residents, business owners, and visitors can come together to support the neighborhood’s growth and development.
Speakers at the event included:
Hon. Brandon Scott, Mayor of Baltimore City
Charlyn Nader, Director, Baltimore City Main Streets Program
Robert Thomas, Manager, Pennsylvania Avenue Main Street
Darroll Cribb, Board Chair, Upton Planning Committee
Kelly Little, Development Consultant, Upton Planning Committee
Jennifer Goold, Executive Director, Neighborhood Design Center
Dean Harrison, Harrison Development
“The revitalization of this historical community is our primary focus as we strive to build capacity. This landmark will stand as a cornerstone for the future of the Pennsylvania Ave Main Street corridor, and as the Director, I am privileged to witness its transformation into reality,” said Charlyn Nater, Director of Baltimore Main Streets.
Pennsylvania Avenue Main Street is one of nine main streets in Baltimore City. The Baltimore Main Streets Program uplifts local businesses, provides them with developmental resources, and spotlights neighborhoods throughout the City. The Baltimore Main Street program follows the Main Street America approach centered around transformation strategies organized into four points: economic vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization.
“Our partners at Pennsylvania Avenue Main Street represent a commercial corridor that reflects the deep African American history in West Baltimore. The intentionality of their work will continue to facilitate change,” explained Chris Lundy, Director of The Mayor’s Office of Small and Minority Business Advocacy and Development. “This new space will serve as a beacon and inspire the community to join them in their vital community revitalization efforts.”
Main Street programs have a proven track record of revitalizing neighborhoods by leveraging local assets to promote economic development and community engagement. Pennsylvania Avenue Main Street is part of a nationwide initiative aimed at transforming historic districts and commercial corridors into vibrant centers of commerce and culture.
Historically, Pennsylvania Avenue was a bustling commercial and entertainment district. It was the place to be for the latest in music and nightlife, often referred to as Baltimore’s version of Harlem. The corridor was also home to numerous businesses and social clubs that catered to the African American community, fostering a strong sense of identity and pride.
“This project is a shining example of how reinvestment and collaboration can breathe new life into historic districts while honoring its rich cultural heritage. The Pennsylvania Avenue Welcome Center will not only enhance the cultural fabric of the area but also stimulate economic development. We are proud to be part of this initiative that celebrates Baltimore’s storied past while paving the way for a bright future,” said Jen Goold Executive Director of Neighborhood Design Center.
“It has been an honor for Harrison Development to have worked with the Upton Planning Committee in the development of the Historic Pennsylvania Avenue Main Street Welcome Center,” said Dean Harrison of Harrison Development. “This new project will enhance the vibrant, positive energy along the Pennsylvania Avenue corridor.”
“Opening the welcome center represents a significant milestone for the Upton community. Our commitment to the Pennsylvania Ave., Main Street program spans several
years but now we are on the verge of providing services on a whole new level.
We welcome the support that Mayor Scott and his team are providing as well as the contributions of corporate and banking partners that are celebrating this achievement with us. However, none of this would be possible if not for the generosity of Downtown Locker Room in its donation of this building. “What once served as a symbol of despair in our community now stands as a symbol of hope.”
“Our community looks forward to the many businesses and jobs that will be created through the resources this center offers.”
