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Miller’s Court, a new development in South Charles Village/Old Goucher, is set to bring some significant change to the neighborhood’s landscape. When I first moved to the area, the huge red-brick warehouse was basically a block-sized nothing, opposite an overgrown vacant lot. It was a street I avoided when I walked home late at night, so I have to admit that the idea of this huge building becoming a center of community life is both surprising — and thrilling.
Even more, it’s a project that deserves a closer look because it’s another example of an idea that seems to be gaining traction in Baltimore — development companies partnering with non-profits to rehab a prominent, dilapidated building in a struggling neighborhood, with the long-term goal of community revitalization. Intriguing, right? So let’s take that closer look…
Firstly, I should say that there’s a lot about this development that excites me. For one, I’m always happy to see one of Baltimore’s beautiful old buildings coming back to life (I wish someone would attempt the Ashley Apartments on North Avenue next), and this one is no exception. The 80,000 square foot former warehouse was built in 1890, and has been empty since the manufacturing company it once housed shut down in 1953. Half a century of vacancy will take its toll on any structure, and the original details that had probably given the place its turn-of-the-century industrial charm (decorative ironwork, beautiful red brick) were starting to look shabby. There’s also an interior courtyard that had fallen into disrepair.
Like the American Brewery Building, Miller’s Court will house non-profit offices — 35,000 square feet of them, to be exact. While the American Brewery Building is a one-company endeavor, Miller’s Court will contain a collection of them. A few who’ve already signed on include the Baltimore Urban Debate League, Teach for America, Catholic Charities, Sports for Kids, Wide Angle Youth Media, Experience Corps and Building Educated Leaders for Life.
Another significant difference is that Miller’s Court will also feature 45,000 square feet of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments (40 units total), geared toward new Baltimore City teachers. Although there’s no rule against non-teachers living in the building, nearly all of the units have already been snapped up by educators, many of whom will be new-to-Baltimore Teach for America recruits.
The building plans include a 5,000 square foot interior courtyard (with fire pit!), several surface-level parking lots, and a fitness center; they’re hoping to attain a LEED Gold or Silver certification for using green technology. Developer Seawall Development Corporation, a family venture by Donald Manekin and son Thibauilt, was helped by the New Markets Tax Credit, a federal Treasury program that gives incentive to investors in the form of tax credits.
When I drove by the other day it looked like they were hard at work fixing up the surrounding sidewalks — the July 1 move-in day is fast approaching. Still, there have been remarkably few hiccups for a project this size…. although the website promises an on-site coffee shop, the developer hasn’t settled on one yet, so those who move in on July 1 will have to walk a couple blocks for their morning latte. I suggest the Wyman Park Restaurant, 138 W. North Avenue.
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