Early Charm has signed a lease as the lead tenant at The Machine Works, the former Detrick & Harvey Machine Works factory in Johnston Square that is being redeveloped by a joint venture partnership between ReBUILD Metro and MCB Real Estate. Early Charm creates, owns, and operates ventures that convert science into products, and intends to expand its Baltimore footprint at Machine Works.
The $25 million Machine Works redevelopment aims to transform the former factory – which was built in the 19th century and was utilized to manufacture large-scale machine tools and equipment for use by Baltimore-area steel, shipbuilding, and railroad companies – into a new center designed for innovative manufacturers, producers, makers and creatives.
“MCB and ReBUILD are showing what serious community investment looks like. Redeveloping a historic site to bring clean, safe manufacturing jobs into a welcoming neighborhood ready to grow. We’re proud to join their efforts by expanding our high-performance ceramics capabilities at Machine Works and partnering with others making bold moves in Baltimore.”
– Early Charm Executive Officer Ken Malone
Former historic factory to reopen as small business hub
ReBUILD and MCB acquired the former historic Detrick & Harvey factory with a vision to reopen the site as a small business hub, and provide a space for socially-responsible businesses to establish a presence in Baltimore. Work is underway to reconfigure the historic factory complex for office and manufacturing uses, as well as midsize maker studios. Targeted end-users include small enterprises seeking a community-oriented environment, micro-businesses outgrowing shared spaces, manufacturers, artisans, and non-profits.
In November of 2024, the Maryland Historical Trust awarded Machine Works $5 million in State Historic Revitalization Tax Credits, a critical piece of financing needed to rejuvenate the site while preserving its irreplaceable historic features. The project is also receiving support from both the Maryland and Baltimore City Departments of Housing and Community Development and through a HUD Community Project Funding Grant backed by Congressman Kweisi Mfume.
“This investment at a historic site in East Baltimore not only lays the groundwork for new business, but for economic growth benefitting the surrounding community and its residents.”
– Governor Wes Moore
Redevelopment part of $200 million plan to revitalize Johnston Square
The Machine Works redevelopment is part of a broader effort by ReBUILD Metro, in partnership with Rebuild Johnston Square Neighborhood Organization, to eliminate abandonment and complete the revitalization of East Baltimore’s Johnston Square neighborhood. The long-vacant industrial complex had become a major nuisance property that was undermining ReBUILD’s revitalization efforts, which also includes the redevelopment of abandoned single-family houses; multifamily affordable housing projects; recreational facilities; and commercial space. The redevelopment and renewal of the property was identified by local residents as a key priority in the Johnston Square Vision Plan, which was completed in 2020.
“Machine Works is a cornerstone in a community-led transformation process, and we are proud to collaborate with MCB and Johnston Square residents to direct resources and expertise toward revitalizing this troubled property into a new driver of opportunity. This project will become another testament to what is possible when community residents, community developers, and City and State partners dream big and work together to take bold actions to transform East Baltimore’s neighborhoods.”
– ReBUILD President Sean Closkey
Read the Baltimore Business Journal Article HERE.
