Designation Helps Unlock $500,000 For Small Businesses in the Greater Park Heights Community

BALTIMORE, MD (Monday, May 13, 2024) -- Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott announced the designation of Park Heights as the City’s ninth Baltimore Main Street district.

Mayor Brandon M. Scott, Council Vice President Sharon Green Middleton (District 6), other city council officials, and community businesses and residents made the announcement at an event in Park Heights.

“Today’s designation of Park Heights as the next Baltimore Main Street is a reflection of the incredible success that has been built in the neighborhood and the limitless potential it has,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “This designation is not only a result of the work that’s already been done, it will help unlock resources and support to ensure that the progress continues in a way that benefits all Park Heights residents. As a product of the neighborhood, I know that Park Heights’ greatest asset is its people and I could not be prouder of those who are working every single day to make it the best version of itself."

The Baltimore Main Streets program follows Main Street America’s four-point model of economic vitality, design, promotion, and organization. The program is a city-wide effort to revitalize neighborhood economies and support business and community development. Park Heights, a 1500-acre neighborhood in Northwest Baltimore comprised of 30,000 residents, joins the other designated Baltimore Main Streets: Belair-Edison, Federal Hill, Fells Point, Hamilton-Lauraville, Highlandtown, Pennsylvania Avenue, Pigtown, and Waverly.

“Parklane Shopping Center is the selected site for the announcement because the owners have made a commitment to working to renovate this shopping center that has been in the community for more than 50 years. The partnership from PHR will support new safety enhancements, a new mural at the corner of Park Heights Avenue and West Cold Spring Lane, and a partnership with our Clean and Green program to begin beautification strategies and new tree plantings,” stated Yolanda Jiggetts, CEO of Park Heights Renaissance, Inc. “PHR is excited to work hand in hand with business partners, residents, and stakeholders to implement the Main Streets approach in a way that is inclusive, equitable, and impactful. We look forward to strengthening collaboration and garnering new resources to support a BOLD NEW HEIGHTS!”

“It is such a joyous event to announce the Park Heights Main Street,” said Christopher Lundy, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Small and Minority Business Advocacy & Development (SMBA&D). “This is especially meaningful to me being from and still residing in West Baltimore. Baltimore Main Streets, program Director Charlyn Nater, and the entire SMBA&D team are committed to providing assistance and resources throughout Baltimore City. Park Heights will be revitalized from the additional support and diligent efforts of our partner in this public-private partnership, Park Heights Renaissance. We are excited to work in partnership with PHR and the community in these efforts.”

The announcement of the Main Streets Designation and Small Business Funding is expected to help leverage additional investments in the Park Heights Community that will expand on the investment and development already occurring in the neighborhood.

Park Heights has recently already seen significant projects taking root, including: 

• Renaissance Row: 84 affordable rental units and office space
• Woodland Gardens I: 63 affordable intergenerational units
• Woodland Gardens II: 75 affordable senior units 
• Cold Spring Lane Apartments: 163 affordable rental units in a transit-oriented development adjacent to the West Cold Spring Metro SubwayLink Station
• 4710 Park Heights Avenue: 100 affordable senior units
• A $20 million branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library that will replace a branch that closed in 2002
• $18 mm in BCRP investments, like:
  • The CC Jackson Park Expansion, and
  • The renovations at Towanda Grantley Recreation Center, James D Gross Recreation Center, and the historic Langston Hughes Community Center
• Two public schools, Pimlico Elementary-Middle School and Arlington Elementary School, that were recently overhauled under the State’s 21st Century Schools Program
• The $400 million redevelopment of Pimlico Race Track

“It is with immense pride that we incorporate Park Heights into the Baltimore Main Streets program. Park Heights exemplifies a community enriched by its robust independent business community. The upcoming addition of nearly 1,000 residential units forecasts a bright economic future for our commercial areas and opens the door to numerous partnership opportunities,” said Charyln Nater, Director of the Baltimore Main Streets program. “The foundation of a strong community lies in working together. As we embark on this new journey, we are forging partnerships that will benefit generations to come.” The Baltimore Main Streets Program is a neighborhood revitalization approach that focuses on providing customized support and public funding to attract new businesses and jobs in designated districts. It is currently the third largest urban Main Streets program in the country.

For more information on the Baltimore Main Streets Program, visit https://smba-d.baltimorecity.gov/mwboo/baltimore-main-streets