Home and Garden Television and The National Trust for Historic Preservation will host a block party this Saturday in the Mount Vernon neighborhood to celebrate a part of historical Baltimore and help restore a pharmacy from the 1860s.
The Midtown Development Corp. Inc. will receive a $60,000 check at the party to install six new high-end apartments and restore the storefront of MacGillivray?s Pharmacy, which endured years of neglect after an economic shift in the 1920s.
Adam Blumenthal, a project manager for The Midtown Development Corp. and one of the 18 owners, said “the money is much appreciated and helped us complete this difficult restoration. It?s always nice to be able to pay the bills.”
The Block Party is part of HGTV?s Restore America Initiative, a cross-country campaign to raise historical preservation efforts that has chosen Baltimore as its ninth site. Sponsors for the initiative include HGTV, the National Trust, Bank of America, Lowe?s, Comcast, and Marvin Windows and Doors.
The initiative began in 2003 and has given $3 million for more than 36 restoration projects since.
“The HGTV Block Party is designed to unite communities, families, preservationists, do-it-yourselfers and students in a celebration of their neighborhood?s history,” HGTV President Judy Girard said in a statement.
“Giving away $60,000 calls for a celebration,” said Danielle Hirsch, the colorist and paint expert for HGTV?s show “Design Remix.” Hirsch will be at the event to demonstrate her “plaster technique for giving damaged walls a new look without a lot of preparation.”
Hirsch will be accompanied by “Design Remix” host Karen McAloon, who will do a demonstration on creative lampshades. The design duo will be answering any decorative questions as well.
Hirsch said HGTV will visit 12 historic properties, but MacGillivray?s is special because it was slated to be leveled until 18 families joined together and bought the property. With the help of the grant, they can now restore the landmark.
The day?s festivities will also include free tours of restored historic homes, music by the Winston Middle School Jazz Band, a performance by New Psalmist Dance Group, arts and crafts projects for children, photo portraits and prizes. Attendees can also check out the latest cable services provided at the Comcast booth. Food will be provided by the Brass Elephant for a small charge and HGTV will provide free bottled water.
“It really pulls the community together and becomes a family event,” Hirsch said. “It?s a fun collaborative celebration of history.”
Where to go
» 900 N. Charles St., Mount Vernon neighborhood in Baltimore.
11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. Free
