Photo courtesy of the Neighborhood Design Center
The Waverly Commons initiative, with its focus on an area next to Greenmount Avenue is, in part, an effort to provide space in order to enhance the mix of goods and services available there. We believe that a successful project at Waverly Commons is the key to creating a retail node near 32nd Street and Greenmount Avenue, a place where shoppers can relax a little bit as they get away from the heavy traffic on Greenmount Avenue.
View the latest Waverly Commons presentation here!
Our proposed outcomes for 2012 include:
- Finalize plans for the triangle block and advocate for the inclusion in Baltimore City’s Capital Budget.
- Use weaknesses and opportunities pointed up in the walk score analysis to point out the kinds of goods and services that are lacking in the current mix.
- Results of the market analysis will be distributed to local merchants, the Waverly Main Street organization, the Baltimore Development Corporation, and the community in general. We expect the market analysis will show untapped market potential. We will work with other stakeholders on business recruiting activities.
In addition, we intend to continue to investigate the redevelopment potential of several key buildings.
- The “Town Hall” Building – This building, used in the 19th Century as the Waverly Town Hall, a post office, and a fraternal lodge, has recently been added to the Baltimore City Landmarks list – making the building eligible for various historic tax credits. We believe that excellent photo documentation of the building as it used to appear will enable the restoration of the building’s exterior to its original handsome appearance. A restored Town Hall building will make the surrounding area appear to be more of a destination by hinting at the area’s history.
- The Triangle Block – A trio of currently vacant buildings located adjacent to the 32nd Street Farmer’s Market. These buildings have substantial potential for new construction and could provide additional space for small retailers who compliment the Market. We will advocate for the City’s purchase of these buildings in a capital request for the Waverly Commons project.
- Uncle Lee’s Building – Located at 3313 Greenmount, this former restaurant has potential as an organic market and/or restaurant. It also contains space that could work well as artist studios. We have received disturbing reports regarding deterioration of this building. Presuming that these reports are factual and the owner cannot help move the building towards reuse, we intend to advocate for code enforcement in order to head off further deterioration.
To see progress on this initiative, visit the Neighborhood Design Center on Facebook.
This project is made possible by support from Bank of America.
