The Johnston Square neighborhood in East Baltimore stands renewed with the opening of The Hammond at Greenmount Park, a new affordable housing complex, and a branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library. The project marks the first major phase of revitalization for the community, as witnessed by nearly 1,000 individuals during the grand opening. Among the attendees were notable figures, including Sen. Chris Van Hollen and Mayor Brandon Scott, according to a report from the Baltimore Fishbowl.
This key development, which transformed an entire block of vacant lots into a hub of residential and educational facilities, includes 109 income-integrated apartments ranging from one to three bedrooms rented at affordable rates. Twelve families, previously without homes, will also receive permanent supportive housing within this new establishment.
The shared endeavor between Somerset Development Company, New Community Partners, and ReBUILD Metro is christened in honor of Regina and Keith Hammond, local community leaders. They have dedicated over a decade to the upliftment of the Johnston Square neighborhood without displacing the residents, as covered by WYPR. The $55 million project was made possible through a mix of public funding, among which includes the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), private capital, and what Regina Hammond terms "community grit."
Adjacent to the housing complex lies the Johnston Square branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library, encompassing 9,000 square feet of space dedicated to books, technological resources, and interactive programs for children and teens. Mayor Scott relayed his aspirations for the facility as a nurturing environment for the youth and a resource haven for job seekers and adults in a WYPR article. Despite the successful transformation, the Baltimore Vacants Reinvestment Initiative indicates that more than 12,000 vacant buildings remain within the city.
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