For Immediate Release
Date: Oct. 9, 2024
PRESS RELEASE
Housing Officials & Local Leaders Celebrate Baltimore’s Latest Mixed-Income Housing Community
Housing Authority of Baltimore City, City of Baltimore, and development partners held ribbon cutting ceremony for Perkins Phase 2, a 156-unit addition to Perkins Square redevelopment
BALTIMORE — The Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC), city housing officials, McCormack Baron Salazar (MBS) and local community partners today celebrated the opening of Perkins Phase 2 with a ribbon cutting ceremony, marking a pivotal milestone to transform the historic Perkins Homes housing community.
The latest Perkins Square redevelopment phase completion includes two multifamily apartment buildings and 28 townhome units, totaling 156 units. It provides various housing choices for households of different income levels, with 76 units set aside for returning legacy Perkins residents, 40 for low and moderate-income families, and 40 unrestricted units.
“We are extremely proud to reach another milestone in revitalizing the historic Perkins, Somerset, and Oldtown neighborhood,” said Janet Abrahams, HABC’s President and CEO. “It marks our ongoing progress to transform the community into a high-quality, income-diverse neighborhood. We continue to celebrate Baltimore’s past while embracing its future.”
Through a public-private partnership among HABC, developers and community service organizations, the Perkins Square redevelopment is made possible through a $74 million investment from several funding sources, including Low Income Housing Tax Credits. MBS is the lead development partner for Perkins Square.
“Perkins Square is one of the most critically-important and inspiring development projects in the City of Baltimore, and I could not be prouder of the progress that has been made,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “By investing in these projects in a way that prioritizes legacy residents, we’re setting a new vision for equitable neighborhood development. Perkins is a symbol of what is possible when every level of government and community come together to fuel Baltimore’s renaissance in a way that actually works for all Baltimoreans. I want to thank every single entity that had a hand in making these Phase II renovations possible, and I look forward to seeing the bright future ahead for the rest of this project.”
Perkins Square has accessibility and vision/hearing-impaired units within a range of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. Amenities and features include internet access, in-unit washers and dryers, 24-hour cameras, a leasing center and supportive services office, a fitness center, and a playground. All units will be identical with finishes and will have access to amenities. The buildings meet several levels of green sustainable design standards and will include features that promote the personal health and wellness of all households.
“The PSO Transformation plan embodies the spirit of equitable communities in Baltimore. We are creating inclusive communities and opportunities for all residents,” said Housing Commissioner Alice Kennedy, Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development. “We are leading with a vision from the community through the partnership with HABC. Phase 2 is continuing the foundation of the PSO and we are proud to welcome everyone home.”
As Phase 2 of a comprehensive nine-phase initiative, Perkins Square is set to encompass 796 of the total 1,651 new mixed-income units planned across the entire PSO. The full realization of this project addresses a critical gap in affordable housing. At a time when Americans are looking for relief to mitigate housing costs, HABC and its partners are making significant strides on the ground.
Originally built in 1942, Perkins Homes had outlived its useful life such that its complete demolition was necessary. Construction for Perkins Square began in August 2022. Visit the PSO Transformation page for more information about the entire project.
###
About HABC
The Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) was established in 1937 to provide federally funded public housing programs and related services for Baltimore’s low-income residents. HABC is the fifth largest public housing authority in the U.S., providing quality affordable housing for more than 23,000 households. The agency creates diverse and vibrant communities, provides opportunities for self-sufficiency, and builds pathways for strong partnerships.
