Long-Blighted Block of Harlem Avenue in West Baltimore's Historic Upton Gains New Life

Harlem Edmondson Rehab Ribbon Cutting 

After decades of an unfulfilled vision, the long-time vacant homes in the 800 block of Harlem Avenue finally have new life.

Last fall, City and State officials, stakeholders, and the Upton and Heritage Crossing communities celebrated the completion of the first five rehabbed rowhomes on the long-blighted block with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Five more rowhomes are going to settlement by July 15, and the developer is expected to settle on 10 additional homes on the block by the end of next month. 

Revitalizing these homes builds upon ongoing State and City investment to create homeownership and support revitalization in Upton and other disinvested neighborhoods across the city. Historic Upton is within the City’s targeted West Impact Investment Area – areas the City has identified as strategically located near anchor institutions, major redevelopments, and/or strong markets that are poised for near-term transformative growth.   

In April 2019, DHCD selected Upton Renaissance to develop 38 City-owned properties — 28 vacant homes in the 800 block of Harlem Avenue and 10 in the 800 block of Edmondson Avenue. The City and State have committed considerable resources to ensure the success of this project. It represents an overall investment of nearly $9.7 million and is part of ongoing community development activity in the surrounding blocks. Watch video.