The Baltimore Development Corp. and the Housing Authority of Baltimore City have plans to revive the Central Avenue Corridor in the Jonestown and Washington Hill neighborhoods in Southeast Baltimore.
The BDC on Monday said it issued requests for proposals from developers for eight city- and HABC-owned properties in the neighborhoods.
The parcels total about 1.6 acres and are bounded by East Lombard Street to the north, Lloyd Street to the west, East Pratt Street to the south and South Central Avenue to the east.
“We think the potential for the area is tremendous,” said Kim Clark, the BDC’s executive vice president. “We’ve seen a lot of momentum move up Central Avenue from Harbor East. We’re hoping to get some really great proposals.”
The BDC is seeking proposals that include a combination of one or more residential, office, retail and parking uses and generate new employment and housing opportunities.
The site is adjacent to Baltimore’s famed Corn Beef Row, the Jewish Museum of Maryland, and recent prominent development along the Central Avenue Corridor, including the Canal Street Malt House, the Holland Track Building and Baltimore International College.
“In the past, the Central Avenue Corridor was sort of seen as an industrial retention area,” Clark said. “But as business moved from the area, the properties were no longer viable for industrial reuse.”
Five of the parcels are located along East Lombard Street, two are along South Central Avenue and one is along Granby Street.
The properties were originally part of the city’s $90 million Albemarle Square HOPE VI project, according to the BDC. The Albemarle Square community, located west of the properties, consists of 343 town houses and apartments that include both market-rate and affordable for-sale and rental housing.
“Without limiting any options, we’re really looking forward to development that will continue the revitalization efforts in this part of town,” said Cheron Porter, HABC spokeswoman. “We’re looking for things that will expand the amenities in the community and make it easier for people to live there.”
With the exception of 130 S. Central Ave. (also known as the DPW site), the development parcels are vacant. Proposals for the redevelopment of the DPW building must include plans for the historic renovation and reuse of the existing structure.
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