On Thursday, September 26, ReBUILD Metro, Rebuild Johnston Square Neighborhood Organization, and Johnston Square residents and supporters gathered to celebrate the completion of ReBUILD’s Teachers Square redevelopment. The block party and ribbon-cutting celebrated this transformation of 15 formerly abandoned properties on the 400 and 600 blocks of East Biddle Street into new affordable homes for 45 of Baltimore’s educators and other community members.
Teachers Square is more than just a housing development; it’s a symbol of the ongoing community-led renewal of Johnston Square. Once considered among East Baltimore’s greatest eyesores, these restored rowhomes are now a vital part of the neighborhood’s transformation. Designed to provide affordable, collaborative living for early-career teachers, the project contributes to the larger goal of bringing fresh energy and new residents into Johnston Square and East Baltimore without any displacement of current residents.
“When people drove down East Biddle Street and saw all of these abandoned properties, they probably thought that Johnston Square was this awful place,” said Regina Hammond, Executive Director of Rebuild Johnston Square Neighborhood Organization. “Now, they can see what we have known for years: Johnston Square is a great community with great people, and it’s becoming a model for how neighbors can work together to change their communities.”
The Teachers Square 15 rowhomes feature three private bedrooms with individual bathrooms, as well as shared living spaces and workspaces that foster collaboration and community among residents. The rowhomes are fully furnished and include modern amenities like free Wi-Fi and in-unit washers and dryers, all while remaining affordable for local teachers. So far, five of the homes have been leased by educators, with more homes still available for lease.
“This project addresses Baltimore’s need for affordable housing for young teachers while bringing new neighbors into Johnston Square who are invested in the success of Baltimore’s children,” said Sean Closkey, President of ReBUILD Metro. “It’s a testament to what can be achieved when communities and partners unite around a shared vision. Teachers Square is proof that, by working together as One Baltimore, we can rebuild our neighborhoods.”
Maryland Senator Cory McCray also attended the event, emphasizing the importance of investments like Teachers Square in strengthening communities across Baltimore. “What’s different about this project is that you are not letting someone set the vision for you,” Senator McCray said to the residents of Johnston Square. “You are setting the vision for yourselves. And in that vision, not only do you see this project; you see a library, a new park and football field, and dozens of new and improved homes.”
Indeed, Teachers Square is a critical part of Johnston Square’s broader revitalization plan, which aims to create a thriving, inclusive community where long-time residents and newcomers can both thrive. This milestone is a signpost of even more transformative efforts to come as Johnston Square continues its journey of rebirth.
We are incredibly thankful to our valued Teachers Square funding partners—the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, the Baltimore Mayor’s Office of Recovery Programs, the Davis Family Foundation, the France-Merrick Foundation, the Blanket Fort Foundation, and the Middendorf Foundation. The generous support of these partners has been essential to making this transformative project possible.
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