posted on behalf of Mary Anne Akers
Prepared by Dr. Mary Anne Akers, Dean, School of Architecture and Planning, Morgan State University
Executive Summary for the COIL, Inc. Redevelopment Project
INTRODUCTION
The proposed project area is located on the 1200 block (and possibly, 1100 block) of West Baltimore Street, located on the southwest portion of the City of Baltimore. For decades, the area, known as the Baltimore City Gateway Community, was an industrial, residential and light commercial district but fairly recent development projects (i.e., Oriole Park Baseball Stadium, M&T Raven’s Football Stadium, and University of Maryland Biotech Park) have positively modified the face of the district. As other changes are anticipated, the proposed project area is confronted with developments that do not necessarily address community needs. Typical of other major cities, urban physical transformations and gentrification practices force local residents out of their familiar environments.
PURPOSE OF THE COIL, Inc. PROJECT
The purposes of the proposed project are three-fold:
1. To revitalize the area by generating jobs and achieving economic viability in the community;
2. To develop innovative development models that address the needs of multiple stakeholders (i.e., community residents, UM Bio-tech park campus, Bon Secours Hospital); and
3. To create an urban hub for cultural activities (i.e., jazz music, community-based performing arts).
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
While there is a strong demand to develop the area with a conventional development mindset, this project serves the community and the city better if alternative strategies are implemented. To achieve the goals for the proposed project, the development team must adhere to several principles which include the following:
1. Development projects should be designed in the context of urban sustainability. This, of course, does not only apply to the construction of green buildings, but the integration of urban ecology, microclimate, urban design, transportation, and people-oriented public and private spaces.
2. Development projects should not only cater to one specific group of users. For the area to be socially and economically viable, mixed-used and mixed-income projects, as well as inter-generational and multi-cultural projects should be designed.
3. A socio-behavioral and educational component should be part of the over-all behavioral concept. Bricks and mortar will not necessarily uplift and revitalize a community. Educational opportunities, job training, and social services are integral to the development process.
COMMUNITY WISH LIST
To jumpstart the development process, project ideas were discussed among residents and COIL,Inc. Please note that feasibility studies, environmental analyses, participatory charrettes, and the development of a community master plan and site concept plan for the 1200 and 1100
Prepared by Dr. Mary Anne Akers, Dean, School of Architecture and Planning, Morgan State University
Executive Summary for the COIL, Inc. Redevelopment Project
blocks of West Baltimore Street must first be accomplished before any construction is initiated. The following are several ideas that were gathered:
▪ Multi-cultural complex, which includes a jazz library, recording studio, performing arts auditorium, and a music school;
▪ Hotel, such as a Marriott hotel;
▪ Negro League Baseball and Sports Museum;
▪ Leadership training center;
▪ Mercantile Financial Development Empowerment Center;
▪ Retail shopping mall;
▪ Loft apartments;
▪ Professional Center; and
▪ Medical building.
NEXT STEP
The City of Baltimore and COIL, Inc., at this point, should hire a consultant to provide the necessary studies to move forward with the redevelopment project. The School of Architecture and Planning (SA+P) at Morgan State University has the capacity to render services for the project. SA+P is an academic unit that approaches the study of urban communities from an interdisciplinary perspective.
We believe that SA+P is the best and most appropriate consultant for this project because of the following reasons:
1. The SA+P is the only school in Baltimore that has accredited programs in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and City and Regional Planning and we have fully qualified professional faculty members who can lead, guide, and facilitate the planning process.
2. The community project is consistent with our School’s mission which is to, “…advance the principles ofspatial justice, urban revitalization and sustainability and design for the everyday experience, through teaching, research, creative work, and community service.”
3. We use Baltimore city as our main educational laboratory but are also mindful of its context (i.e., region, nation, world). This means we are cognizant of Baltimore’s history, political dynamics, and cultural nuances, and are experts in observing and reflecting on its urban complexities, including the built environment’s impact on people, neighborhoods, and districts.
4. We are a special organization because of our student and faculty diversity, which lends itself to a dynamic exchange of ideas and experiences. These diverse perspectives result in a unique synergy that produces fresh and innovative solutions to urban problems.
