St. Lukes’ Youth Center Campus

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Breathing life into a neglected, old building can present challenges, but often the outcome proves immeasurably rewarding. Taking on the challenge and seeking such reward, Episcopal Housing Corporation (EHC) is partnering with St. Luke’s Youth Center to improve two buildings on the organization’s West Baltimore campus so it may continue providing youth programming for the Franklin Square and Poppleton neighborhoods.

The properties—217 N. Carey Street and 222 N. Carrollton—house the original St. Luke’s Church and Clergy House, respectively. While each structure presents its own set of complications, once addressed, together they will revitalize the aging campus and enhance a community which has come to rely on St. Luke’s services.

The Church property once housed the organization’s youth programming. However, structural and stormwater management issues forced the group to relocate to a site 10 minutes away. The stress on this program, which provides after-school and summer programs to the immediate community, has been great, necessitating re-scheduling activities and carpool management. To see if St. Luke’s may “return home” to the church, EHC is conducting a project assessment to determine the extent and viability of the work scope.

Built in 1904, the Clergy House is in good condition to allow for a conversion of the space into a true community center for youth and their families. Classrooms, a library, and computer lab will be built; there is also the potential to add a communal kitchen and some apartments. Services such as job training, resume writing, a food pantry, and tutoring will be offered, and in the event the Church renovation proves unfeasible, the Clergy House will house the current off-site programs.

While the final vision of this dual project is yet to be determined, the work EHC is providing St. Luke’s Youth Center will enable the organization to plan for its future from a position of strength and grow with confidence.