Surrounded by city officials, community leaders, and guests, who gathered in what was known as the carriage house on the grounds of the Historic Upton Mansion, Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young revealed that the Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) selected The Afro Charities, Inc. development team to revive the city-owned property.

The project team ― comprised of Afro American Newspapers, Inc., The Afro Charities, Inc., Hodges Development LLC, Sulton Campbell, Britt and Associates, and Commercial Construction ― is investing an estimated $7 million to revitalize the property. It will serve as the new home of The AFRO American Newspaper, and additional space will be allotted for other organizations and institutions.

Constructed in 1838, the Historic Upton Mansion is located at 811 W. Lanvale St., and is considered to be a significant piece of architecture as it is a rare surviving 19th century Greek Revival country house. This registered local landmark ― which sits within the Old West Baltimore National Register Historic District ― features more than 10,000 square feet of developable space and has a view of downtown Baltimore.

In April 2019, DHCD issued a Request for Proposals in search of a developer for the property located in Historic Upton.  The City is focused on investment opportunities that will support ongoing revitalization efforts in Baltimore neighborhoods as presented in the Framework for Community Development. Historic Upton ― located in the West Impact Investment Area, as identified in the Framework ― has great assets to leverage and is poised for continued transformative growth and investment.