The Renewal

The Latest news At WNADA - Spring 2025 Edition

Wed, 14 May 2025 14:28:18 GMT

Spring 2025

West Baltimore is on the rise. The team and I are energized by the energetic spirit and important work that collectively is building a better future for West Baltimore. From our legislative work to sustain WNADA for future years to the increase in development interest, WNADA continues its commitment to strengthening trust in West Baltimore neighborhoods.

We are fortunate to be in a region where the opportunity for development growth is supported by community engagement and intentional inclusion of diverse audiences. Our comprehensive neighborhood plan is phase one in creating a map that will incorporate programming and structure that addresses the challenges of misinformation.

West Baltimore is directed toward innovation and practical approaches to retaining existing businesses in residents as well as fostering relationships for our future.

We appreciate your trust in us as a resource for economic empowerment in West Baltimore.

Chad Williams

Executive Director, WNADA

Transportation Updates

SMART Intersections Coming to West North Avenue!

The SMART Intersection infrastructure project is funded and led by WNADA, in collaboration with the National Transportation Center at Morgan State University (MSU), the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), Baltimore City Department of Transportation (BCDOT), and Baltimore Department of Planning.

The project is currently in the permitting phase working through BCDOT to receive the necessary permits and connect the new technology to the traffic signals at five intersections along West North Avenue; Mount Royal Terrace, McCulloh, Penn North, Fulton, and Bloomingdale.

 WNADA and its partners will use this anonymous information to improve the corridor’s safety, accessibility and commercial viability. Over time, the data will be used to evaluate pre- and post-development changes and provide multi-modal traffic volume data to attract new investment around these high-volume areas.

West North Avenue & Druid Hill – McCulloh Transit Access and Pedestrian Safety Improvement (TAPSI) Project

Fall 2024 concluded the community engagement phase of the project where the project team hosted events to educate the community about the transportation project and collect feedback about artwork, placemaking priorities and final design priorities. A Community Engagement Report summarizes these events and highlights feedback received during this phase of the project. A notable theme from the campaign found the community prefers artistic motifs that celebrate the rich history of the neighborhood and honors residents past and present. This was incorporated into the permit application to the Baltimore City Department of Transportation submitted in early January, 2025. Now that the permit application is under review, we anticipate a 2-3 month review process and if approved, will begin installation thereafter.

Unity Park Avenue

Midtown Community Benefits District’s Unity @ Park Avenue project has experienced a slight hiccup that is delaying its originally anticipated groundbreaking to late summer 2025. Not to worry, this project team is doing its due diligence to ensure it finds the appropriate park steward in perpetuity. As this is ongoing, the team has completed the 100% design phase of the project in January and will begin the procurement and approval process in Spring 2025.

Transport Economics Fast Facts!

What exactly is “transit-oriented development”? It is urbanism at its finest and requires compact, mixed-use development within a half-mile of a high frequency transit service (think subway, rail, or rapid bus). The compact design makes walkability a key component of successful TOD areas. When these planning disciplines merge the economic and environmental returns benefit the community in profound ways and create vibrant, desirable places.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, “the potential benefits of TOD include increased land values, new prime retail spaces for businesses to attract customers, increased higher-density development and up-zoning, increased foot traffic and visibility to customers for businesses, and new development subsidies to improve and maintain community infrastructure.”

Meaning, development that maximizes proximity to public transportation has a greater economic return because residents, visitors and businesses can rely on the public’s investment in transportation. This is one of the major reasons why WNADA is utilizing the planning and development strategy around these critical transit nodes.

Housing

2836 Presbury – Rebirth Redevelopment

2836 Presbury was a home subjected to arson and subsequently boarded up, contributing to blight within the community. The home fell into tax sale and sat unoccupied for years. Rebirth Development acquired the home after WNADA began operations within the community. The home was demolished, cleared, and is now close to being restored.

The home now features a new addition in the rear, accommodating a master suite, three bedrooms, a large kitchen with an island, a two-car parking pad, a whole-house speaker system, and many more amenities. The home is under contract for delivery within the next 30 days.

Rebirth Development is thankful to WNADA and the Coppin Heights community for their support and encouragement in driving the beautification and restoration of blighted properties.

Overview of Coppin@Rosedale

Transforming West Baltimore: Rosedale Apartments set to become Student Housing for Coppin State University

The long-vacant and condemned Rosedale Apartments at 1801 N. Rosedale Street in Baltimore are undergoing a transformative redevelopment led by H & H Realty Group. The project aims to address the student housing shortage at Coppin State University while revitalizing the surrounding West Baltimore community.

Key features include modernized units, green spaces, art installations, and comprehensive security measures such as surveillance cameras and on-site police coordination.

With soaring ceilings and large windows, the renovated apartments will offer 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units, furnished with student-friendly amenities like high-speed WiFi and optional dining and bedroom furniture. Common areas will include lounges, study spaces, and outdoor seating to foster a vibrant student community.

Construction milestones are slated for completion by summer 2025, with move-ins scheduled for August of that year. The project is bolstered by partnerships with Coppin State University, local organizations, and city officials, ensuring it serves as both a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization and a model for inclusive development.

H & H Realty Group, led by Black female developer Genevieve Hanson, envisions Rosedale Apartments as a beacon for sustainable and equitable growth in Baltimore, creating opportunities for students and the wider community alike. www.handhrealtygroup.com ; genevieve@handhrealtygroup.com

COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION

Dozens of community residents were invited to attend the Resident Coordinating Council meeting on Saturday, January 25, 2025. The meeting was held at Walbrook Mill Apartments’ Community Room. The WNADA team shared an overview of projects and discussed upcoming activities.

Some events discussed were the creation of a standardized Pro Forma for single-family house sales, strengthening transportation section of the comprehensive plan, and WNADA’s achievement in exceeding the 31% MBE goal. As we design and construct the economic future of West North Avenue, the meeting fosters discussion and understanding.

These meetings are part of WNADA's ongoing effort to create a comprehensive roadmap that supports equitable economic growth, job creation and resource prioritization.

The next Resident Coordinating Council meeting is scheduled for Saturday, March 8.

Maryland Open Meetings Act

Many state and local public bodies are required by Maryland's Open Meetings Act to hold their meetings in public, provide sufficient notice to the public, and permit the public to view the minutes of those meetings.

Neighborhood Planning Meeting

Join WNADA on Saturday, April 26 at 10am for our first in a series of three neighborhood planning meetings. The meetings will continue to shape the future, hear feedback from residents and stakeholders and highlight active projects happening along West North Avenue.

The comprehensive plan is really quilt made from existing neighborhood plans. There are more than 20,000 people who live in West Baltimore. This is an opportunity to identify opportunities and challenges and highlight positive assets of our community.

How will you help create and implement the plan for West North Avenue and its adjacent neighborhoods?

Share your ideas on green space, transportation, commercial and housing development.

Join us on April 26, 2025

WNADA Business Networking Event

Join us on Thursday, April 10, 2025! WNADA will announce the 2024 RFQ grant awardees, making a record-breaking year with more than $10 million awarded to businesses and organizations making an impact in ways that align with the West North Avenue comprehensive plan.

COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT

WHAT IS GO WEST?

Learn more about the GO WEST and how it can benefit you during the next Request for Qualification Register for the GO WEST webinar on March 17th GO WEST (this link should be to the WNADA website. Need to confirm the event and form details with SJ)

The Go West program focuses on empowering businesses. The program offers business technical assistance to applicants who did not meet the previous Request For Qualification (RFQ) threshold

ARE YOU READY TO MOVE TO NORTH AVENUE? CHECK OUT THESE PROPERTIES

2734 Pennsylvania Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21217 | MLS MDBA2147306 | Listing Information | Long & Foster

1736 W North Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21217 | MLS MDBA2123548 | Listing Information | Long & Foster

2736 Pennsylvania Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21217 | MLS MDBA2076288 | Listing Information | Long & Foster

2730 Pennsylvania Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21217 | MLS MDBA2073740 | Listing Information | Long & Foster

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The West North Avenue Development Authority (WNADA), a State of Maryland economic development agency for Baltimore City. The agency was established to create a comprehensive plan for housing, economic, transportation, and neighborhood development along West North Avenue between 600 - 3200 Block, defined as the Target Area, and 250 yards surrounding the Target Area, defined as the Buffer Zone.

The Latest news At WNADA - Winter 2024 Edition

Wed, 14 May 2025 14:28:17 GMT

Winter 2024

The winter season is upon us, bringing another season of growth and change. We are excited to reflect on the past year and the progress achieved through the West North Avenue Development Authority’s work. This past year, WNADA has provided more than 9.5 million in capital to assist the projects focused on residential, commercial, public safety, transportation, and neighborhood development activities in West Baltimore. WNADA is committed to building a better future for West Baltimore neighborhoods. The collaboration, determination and ingenuity of our FY 24 awardees bring a sense of hope and opportunity.

On behalf of our Board of Directors, neighborhood residents and the WNADA team, we look forward to a new year of economic growth and possibilities for West Baltimore. We wish you a healthy and prosperous 2025!

In Service,

Chad Williams

Executive Director, WNADA

Neighborhoods Working Together

The West North Avenue Development Authority's Resident Coordinating Council empowers residents, business owners, and stakeholders by giving them a voice in West Baltimore's operations and activities.

RFP Grant Awardees

Neighborhood organizations were invited to hear and share feedback with WNADA’s 2024 grant awardees:

Commercial Tenants Wanted

Finding ideal commercial tenants can be challenging, but it is critical to the success of your property. Let WNADA help.

If you own a commercial property in West Baltimore and are looking for tenants to activate your space, please email Selisa Jefferson, our economic development officer, at selisa@wnada.org.

Please include your name, the property address, and contact information.

Improving Safety For Pedestrians And Transit Access

As part of WNADA’s Transportation strategy, Graham Projects will partner with neighborhood, City, and State stakeholders to redesign and analyze safety, accessibility, and placemaking services at the W. North & Druid Hill Avenue Intersection.

This demonstration area will be the first re-designed intersection to enhance pedestrian visibility and transit accessibility through bus platforms, bump-puts, and more.

The project team hosted a site walk with local stakeholders to explore where the planned improvements will occur and discuss how they will improve the area.

Small Space, Big Impact Unity@Park

The small space renovation will make a massive movement for the residents and transit users at the corner of W. North Avenue and Park. The park renovation will include crosswalk murals, improved green space, and an attractive area for transit users.

The project is moving steadily closer to breaking ground. The Midtown Community Benefits District is searching for qualified landscape architects and construction firms to assist with the design implementation. The project anticipates breaking ground by January 2025, with completion in Spring 2025.

GO WEST! - Growing Opportunities

Growing Opportunities by Widening Economic Sustainability through Transformation. The GO WEST program aims to assist business owners who pursue WNADA's Request for Qualifications but are unsuccessful and need more support for the next application round.

WNADA, in partnership with Innovation Works, provides this free program, which covers grant writing, MBE/WBE certification, marketing plans, and business financial literacy.

Have You Seen?

The EMAGE Center is getting a new face, thanks to a significant investment of over $$$ by the owner. This is a testament to the commitment to creating a vibrant garment and maker center for West Baltimore.

Renovations to the space now feature an outdoor patio with unique concrete columns, creating a safe and attractive dining area. Stop by to try a tasty treat from the Frozen Desert Sobert and Café at 1331 W. North Avenue.

Stockton Space Love

Green Space Love

Formerly the epicenter of the 2015 Civil Unrest, the Stockton Street Park project aims to bring transformative change to the Penn North neighborhood by creating a safe, accessible green space that invites community reinvestment opportunities.

Members of the community in partnership with Parks and People participated in a “Community Design Day” for the redevelopment of Stockton Street Park in the Penn North neighborhood. The meeting was held at the Pennsylvania Avenue branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library. Residents shared feedback on the mural design and custom gating for the park.

Outdoor Movie Night At Herbert Street Park

Students and families from Robert W. Coleman and Gwynns Falls Elementary School joined the neighborhoods for an outdoor movie night and spelling bee at Herbert Street Park. As part of Baltimore City Recreation and Park’s Rhythm and Reels program, neighbors brought chairs and blankets and enjoyed watching “Akeelah and the Bee.”

Big thanks to the Robert W Coleman Community Association, Greater Mondawmin Coordinating Council, Citywide Youth Development and Concierge Catering, LLC for their support and partnership with this event. Walking tacos, hotdogs, popcorn, lemonade

Comprehensive Plan - Final Meeting Series

Great Community Turnout for the West North Avenue Comprehensive Plan Meeting. We appreciate everyone who attended WNADA's last round of community involvement meetings on Saturday, October 26, 2024. Your attendance and engagement helped create the Comprehensive Revitalization Plan for West North Avenue. Over the past two years, WNADA has engaged in and facilitated numerous interactive community interaction sessions to collect insights and suggestions for the West North Avenue Comprehensive Revitalization Plan.

This Plan is the first all-encompassing document ever developed for the 16 resource-abundant yet under-resourced neighborhoods along the West North Avenue corridor. We value the constructive, enthusiastic, and upbeat energy that was exchanged. Collaboration with the community is crucial and the foundation of our project.

This concluding planning event will feature a presentation of conceptual visual renderings created by Quinn Evans, a Maryland-based firm honored with the 2024 American Institute of Architects award.

The renderings envision our community's vibrant and sustainable future and incorporate community comments from meetings over the past two years.

Happy Holidays Graphic ↑

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The latest news at WNADA - Summer Edition 2024

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 11:38:31 GMT

Summer 2024

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Thank you for making 2024 another good start to an exceptional year for the West North Avenue Development Authority. The participation from our community partners has assisted WNADA in many ways. This season marks the completion of the Comprehensive Revitalization Plan and the successful award of $9.5 million in financial assistance grants to fourteen local businesses.

In this edition of our newsletter, we highlight how our State agency works to ignite hope and inspire economic growth and service.

Our dedicated staff has done an incredible job of expanding our outreach while creating and strengthening our programs and services. Our ongoing goal is to keep our overhead low while increasing our service in the field and with your help, this is possible.

Join us as we lift West Baltimore to recognize collective power, the significance of our impact, and the boundless potential that lies ahead.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve, and for your investment, partnership, and collaboration, as we continue to work to build a better future for West Baltimore neighborhoods.

With gratitude,

Chad Williams

Executive Director, WNADA

Legislative Updates

Governor Wes Moore emphasized the focus of a safer, more affordable, and competitive Maryland during the 2024 legislative session as Maryland State Legislators came together to pass a variety of bills pertaining to housing and economic development which included the Governors Housing Package. The package is composed of the Housing Expansion and Affordability Act, the Housing and Community Development Financing Act, and the Renters’ Rights and Stabilization Act.

HB538- Housing Expansion and Affordability Act

The Housing Expansion and Affordability Act provides land use, affordable housing, zoning density, and permitting alterations for “qualified projects” to reduce the barriers to increasing housing production in local jurisdictions. It also establishes the position and duties of the Historic Property Revitalization Director at the Department of Housing and Community Development.

HB599- Housing and Community Development Financing Act

The Housing and Community Development Financing Act creates an instrumentality of the State known as the Maryland Community Investment Corporation. It serves as an entity to make investments and provide financial assistance for development by leveraging federal New Markets Tax Credits and expanding the eligible uses of the Strategic Demolition and Smart Growth Impact Fun in the Department of Housing and Community Development.

HB693- Renters’ Rights and Stabilization Act

The Renters’ Rights and Stabilization Act establishes the Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs within the Department of Housing and Community Development and requires the Office to develop a Maryland Tenant Bill of Rights. Its establishment seeks to redress Maryland’s high eviction rate while alleviating the challenges that renters may encounter.

Opening Ceremony of The Carlton Apartment Building

The West North Avenue Development Authority awarded Blank Slate a $245,000 capital funding subsidy grant to assist with the restoration and renovation of the vacant, three-story, and formerly abandoned multi-family property in Reservoir Hill. The “Carlton” is not a 12-unit apartment building. The grant eliminated the budget gap in the $2.6 million project. To learn more about this project, please visit https://www.carltonreshill.com

WNADA In The News

WNADA will be highlighted in an upcoming PBS documentary. Our executive director, Chad Williams, was interviewed on the deep-rooted economic effects of Redlining and how WNADA is working to address strategic ways to impact equitable housing, economic, and transportation development positively. The documentary is scheduled to be released in early 2025.

2023-2024 RFQ Awards

The West North Avenue Development Authority Awards $6.1 Million in Financial Assistance Grants to Fourteen Local Businesses.

The West North Avenue Development Authority (WNADA) is proud to announce the grant recipients to receive subsidy for commercial and residential projects, as a result of its 2023 Request for Qualifications (RFQ). More than 70 responses were received in December 2023 with an interest in working on revitalization projects along the West North Avenue corridor. Thirteen entities were selected to work with WNADA and West Baltimore neighborhoods to support projects focused on the revitalization of the West North Avenue corridor.

The RFQ was designed to identify qualifying businesses with the experience and interest to redevelop six (6) focus areas along the corridor. Some of the projects will start immediately, with others being implemented in the coming months.

NHS of Baltimore - $250,000

Rebirth Development - $500,000

Coppin Heights CDC - $250,000

Blank Slate Development LLC - $1,750,000

BARCO - $2,000,000

NHS of Baltimore- $250,000

Charm City Buyers - $250,000

Visionary Venture Partnership - $500,000

NHS of Baltimore- $250,000

Charm City Buyers - $250,000

Visionary Venture Partnership - $500,000

Baltimore City DHCD - $350,000

Druid Heights CDC - $650,000

Baltimore City DHCD - $500,000

* Special Interest Areas *

Public Safety : Frontline Property Management - $350,000

Multifamily Student Housing : H&H Development - $750,000

Neighborhood Preservation :

NHS of Baltimore - $500,000

Druid Heights CDC - $100,000

Public Transit Services

The Graham Project - $100,000

Midtown Baltimore - $250,000

Green Space Improvements

Tree Planting on West North Avenue

Stockton Street Park

Cab Calloway Park

Herbert Street Park

Wilbur H. Waters

Easterwood Park Redevelopment

Open Works West – Coming Soon to West North Avenue

WNADA provided a discretionary grant of $25,000 to fund the Open Work’s pilot program at the Coppin State University’s Business School. Additionally, the WNADA board approved awarding $750,000 to the Open Works and The Baltimore Arts Realty Corporation (BARCO) partnership to build the Open Works West facility at the Walbrook Mill site (2600 block of W. North Avenue).

The Open Works in West Baltimore location was an idea from Senator Antonio Hayes. The collaboration with Coppin State University’s Center for Strategic Entrepreneurship, BARCO, and WNADA will bring the first maker-space partnership to West Baltimore.

To learn more, please visit https://www.openworksbmore.org/

Transportation

Exciting Projects

West North Avenue SMART Intersection Project

WNADA is partnering with the National Transportation Center at Morgan State University to install SMART Intersection technology at 5 locations along West North Avenue. These SMART Intersections include a suite of sensors that monitor interactions between vehicles and vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, disabled persons, scooters, and cyclists.

The anonymous data collected provides invaluable insight into travel patterns such as: how pedestrians cross streets or access transit stops information on “close calls” between road users and vehicles, and traffic violation rates. WNADA and its partner agencies will use this information to improve the corridor’s safety and accessibility. Over time, the data will be used to evaluate pre- and post-development changes and provide multi-modal traffic volume data to attract new investment around these high-volume areas.

Safety & Accessibility Demonstration Intersection

WNADA is partnering with Graham Projects to design and install safety, accessibility, and placemaking amenities along West North Avenue. Starting with the W. North & Druid Hill Avenue Intersection, this demonstration project will be the first re-designed intersection to improve pedestrian visibility, transit accessibility, restriping crosswalks, street artwork, and more. More information will be shared publicly once the project is designed and receives the appropriate permits from Baltimore City. Stay tuned for more information about the community design and installation process!

Bikemore’s Mobile Bike Shop is offering free bike repair services in Druid Hill Park from 4-7 pm every Thursday (weather dependent)! Pedal by to say hello or receive free assistance with your bicycle.

Transport Economics Fast Facts!

Did you know not all transportation modes provide the same economic outcomes? Projects that improve walking, biking, and moving actively using assistive devices cost 75 percent less to build per mile compared to typical, car-focused transportation projects, they also can bring a broad range of economic benefits...

Increased property and sales tax revenue by up to 10 times!
Increased retail and food sales due to increased foot traffic, even with motor vehicle lane or parking reductions!
Increased tourism revenue by eight to nine times the amount invested in activity-friendly routes to everyday destinations!
Averted healthcare costs resulting from safer streets, cleaner air, and more opportunities for physical activity!
Local Transportation Projects
Key Bridge News Updates
Druid Park Lake Drive Complete Streets
Baltimore Red Line
Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program
West Baltimore United: A Plan to Reconnect Communities
Baltimore City DOT Job’s Page
Maryland Department of Transportation Job’s Page

Business Development Program

The business development program is voluntary to help small- to medium-sized businesses within Baltimore City with their business health by providing workshops, seminars, and application-assistance classes. The goal is to provide local businesses with growth strategies, financial literacy, and networking opportunities to help facilitate and maintain business health. More information will be shared soon.

Business Resources

"This is a down payment on growth and economic development for the communities in West Baltimore to shape their own destiny.”

– Governor Wes Moore

RFQ 202

The West North Avenue Development, on behalf of Governor Moore, sponsored by Senator Hayes and chaired by Dr. Jenkins, is releasing $9.5 million of grants to make that investment in the economic, housing, transportation, and green space revitalization of West Baltimore.

Growing a Tree Canopy in Commercial Areas Along the West North Avenue Corridor

Trees can improve air quality and help battle climate change. Trees along the corridor also promote a vibrant commercial district and encourage the economic success of neighborhood businesses. WNADA, in partnership with Parks and People and DSO Contractors, has planted 150 trees to date and will complete the plantings this summer.

On Saturday, May 4, volunteers from the community joined WNADA for a tree-planting event.

WNADA Meets with Small Developers

July 11, 2024

WNADA had the opportunity to present to and network with the Baltimore Small Developer Collective, the Voice of the Small Developer.

Our executive director, Chad Williams, shared an overview of the West North Avenue Development Authority's work and the exciting opportunity to collaborate with individual home renovators and small community developers.

We appreciate the opportunity and thank everyone who attended the presentation. Your presence and engagement were invaluable to us.

WNADA Participates in the 4th International Placemaking Week

The West North Avenue Development Authority (WNADA) joined public space leaders worldwide today at the 4th International Placemaking Week event in Baltimore.

The WNADA panel: "83 to Hilton - Restorative Justice with Food and You" was a dynamic and fruitful discussion, bringing together The Urban Oasis, The No Boundaries Coalition, and The Fresh Food Factory panelists in a powerful display of collaboration.

Special thanks to the Neighborhood Design Center Design Center for co-hosting this great opportunity.