2101-2111 Pennsylvania Avenue Development, Baltimore, MD
In Progress
Client: Druid Heights Community Development Corporation(DHCDC)

Program: Proposal for redevelopment of properties along Pennsylvania Avenue into a mixed-use complex anchored by the B.A.L.L. House (Black Athletes and Lost Legends) museum, devoted to Negro League baseball teams and players.
Design Approach: Pennsylvania Avenue, known simply as “The Avenue”, was once the heart of African-American entertainment in Baltimore, and was known worldwide for its jazz clubs, theatres, and nightclubs. One of these legendary venues, the Sphinx Club, a private club known for its after-show parties, opened in 1946 and closed nearly 50 years later in 1992. ArchPlan's proposal would revitalize Pennsylvania Avenue with a bold new museum building on the corner of Bloom Street, which would house one of the largest collections of Negro League artifacts in the country; this would be connected to a restored Sphinx Club, which would house a sports-themed cafe.  The plan assumes that the Sphinx Club buildings could receive historic landmark status and preservation tax credits.
The project would also include a performance space, incubator offices for small businesses, and an outdoor dining area.  The revitalization of the Pennsylvania Avenue corridor will be complemented and reinforced with the Gateway Housing project, incorporating rowhouse renovation and new construction, for which ArchPlan is also retained by DHCDC, and the new construction of Baker's View townhomes, designed by Design Collective.
Responsibilities:ArchPlan provided the required materials for a proposal to the Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) for the Druid Heights Community Development Corporation (DHCDC) to receive site control. The DHCDC will partner with the B.A.L.L. organization to manage the museum and café.