Revitalization. Preservation. Stability. – Sojourner Place at Park

DESCRIPTION

For nearly two centuries, Baltimore’s historic Five and Dime District has experienced near-constant social and economic change, from evolving retail trends to social justice reform to urban exodus to today’s current wave of development. Understanding the importance of providing affordable housing options amidst rapid gentrification, Episcopal Housing Corporation (EHC) and partner HCH Real Estate Company are launching Sojourner Place at Park to ensure that today’s changes support inclusive housing opportunities for the future. This project is the second joint venture between the two non-profits following the outstanding success of Sojourner Place at Oliver.

Located at 111 Park Avenue, the four-story Sojourner Place at Park complex will offer 42 units, 21 of which to be designated as permanent supportive housing (PSH) for Baltimore residents exiting homelessness, and 21 as affordable “workforce housing” for households making between 50 and 70 percent of area median income. The Baltimore Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services will provide referrals for the PSH units, and Health Care for the Homeless will offer support services for all residents, including community building activities, counseling, and coaching services. It is located two blocks from Baltimore’s Light Rail and subway, and is close to a grocery store, the University of Maryland Medical campus, and major employers in Baltimore’s central business district. Once financing is secured EHC projects a two-year timeline, with anticipated completion of the project in January 2026.  

Sojourner Place at Park has been widely embraced. Baltimore City, which owns 50% of the site, is seeing transformation of a once-neglected corner property that has lain fallow for a decade. Historic preservation organizations and community groups see a preservation mindset in action, as the project will make reuse of an existing historic bank building and preserve four historic building facades. And for those individuals either exiting homeless or looking for affordable urban housing, they will soon find a new home.