ReBUILD Metro has completed the redevelopment of 4 formerly abandoned homes on the 400 Block of East Biddle Street in Johnston Square, the first phase of our Johnston Square Homeownership Works project. The homes are the first of over 50 abandoned homes in Johnston Square that ReBUILD Metro will restore into new homeownership and rental housing options over the next two years, which will serve a range of low- and moderate-income families. ReBUILD is also in the process of supporting 17 Johnston Square legacy homeowners in making major structural repairs to their homes.
The homes are accompanied by a new “Welcome to Johnston Square” mural on the side of 408 East Biddle Street, which was painted by local muralist Nether and commissioned by Charm City Meadworks in partnership with Rebuild Johnston Square Neighborhood Organization. We have also helped two legacy homeowners on this block complete improvements to their front facades. These renovations and improvements are the first milestones in our work to eliminate vacancy to create a new gateway to Johnston Square from Mid-Town Baltimore, a $70 million community-driven effort that will also include:
- Over 150 affordable apartments, including 45 homes of new affordable housing for teachers.
- A new public library branch.
- A new community park and playing field.
- Other public art installations.
The revitalization of the homes was supported by the State of Maryland’s Baltimore Regional Neighborhoods Initiative, the State of Maryland’s Homeownership Works program, and Baltimore City’s Community Catalyst Grant Program.
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