Transforming one of Baltimore's areas of poverty into communities of choice (Housing Authority of Baltimore City)

Date Published: 
July 28th, 2021

From WBAL NewsRadio:

The Housing Authority of Baltimore City’s 1940s-era Perkins Homes public housing site is coming down. Demolition of the six buildings that comprise the development in East Baltimore began June 24.

“With these bricks starting to come down, we are witnessing the end of an era,” said HABC CEO Janet Abrahams, whose agency is overseeing the $1 billion Perkins Somerset Oldtown Transformation Plan. “The future of this community holds great promise as one of inclusion and opportunity. You will see the manifestation of that promise very soon."

The Baltimore-based Berg Corporation is handling the demolition, which is being performed from the top down, using heavy construction equipment. Dust barriers have been set up along the property’s fence line to ensure debris is not released into the neighborhood.

“The changes represent more than a future of modern buildings and parks. It represents the futures of those who have lived here and who will live here,” Mayor Brandon M. Scott said. “Baltimore’s PSO plan includes improving health and safety for residents, and increasing opportunities for education, employment and upward mobility. I congratulate HABC and all the organizations involved in moving this tremendously ambitious plan forward.”

Perkins Homes, built in 1942, consists of 629 apartments in more than 50 three-story brick barracks-style buildings, with a community center and various outdoor spaces interspersed between the buildings. The structures had become completely antiquated. 788 new apartments will be built in their place on nine of the 11 parcels that comprise the Perkins footprint. The new development will include four-to-five story multifamily buildings, townhouses, and two buildings.

“This demolition and the construction that is to follow will make it so that Perkins residents can live here. I am excited to see the vibrancy of Perkins Homes revealed. This is monumental and a long-awaited opportunity for this community,” said 12th District Councilman Robert Stokes.

Read (or listen to) WBAL NewsRadio's article "Transforming one of Baltimore's areas of poverty into communities of choice," featuring the Housing Authority of Baltimore City.

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