Predevelopment Phase of Resurrection Sandtown Kicks Off to Revitalize Approximately 67,000 Sq. Ft. Property Asset Footprint in West Baltimore with the First Dwyer Scholar Healthcare Village and More
Ames Shalom Community, Inc. (“Ames”) and Dwyer Workforce Development (“DWD”) have announced the selection of Seawall Development, Blank Slate, and Enterprise Community Development (“the Partners”) to collaborate in the role of lead development partners in the predevelopment phase of the Resurrection Sandtown project, which will redevelop an approximately 67,000 sq. ft. property footprint within a long-neglected stretch of the Sandtown neighborhood in West Baltimore. The project will feature the first Dwyer Scholar Healthcare Village and more.
“It is with great joy and profound gratitude that we announce Seawall Development, Blank Slate, and Enterprise Community Development as our partners in the predevelopment phase of the Resurrection Sandtown project,” said Ames Principal and Ames Memorial United Method Church Pastor Rod Hudson. “This milestone is a beacon of hope and a vital force in our mission to breathe new life into West Baltimore’s Sandtown area. By joining hands with these likeminded organizations, we are not just envisioning a stronger community; we are making it a reality. Their expertise is not only indispensable—it is a divine gift guiding us toward a future where every challenge becomes an opportunity for transformative change and enduring prosperity for our community.”
During the predevelopment phase, Seawall Development, Blank Slate, and Enterprise Community Development will conduct community listening meetings. These meetings will invite community organizations, residents, and local businesses to voice their priorities and aspirations for the area. Additionally, the Partners will take the lead in establishing a development program and conceptual site design, creating preliminary development budgets, and establishing the project timeline. The first community listening meeting will take place on Wednesday, October 23, at 6 p.m. at 2304 Pennsylvania Avenue, which is a former Northeastern Supply building that was donated to Resurrection Sandtown by the Cook Family in 2022.
Resurrection Sandtown launched in 2016 and is a comprehensive effort aimed at revitalizing the Sandtown neighborhood in West Baltimore by addressing critical issues such as poverty, housing shortages, and crime. DWD joined the Resurrection Sandtown project as a foundational partner in 2023 with a commitment to build its first Dwyer Scholar Healthcare Village within this multi-phase project.
A unique 501(c)(3) nonprofit and healthcare career training program, DWD provides Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training, job placement support in skilled nursing and assisted living facilities, person-centered case management, and need-based wraparound services, which include assistance for housing, childcare, transportation, and more. The Healthcare Village will feature a resource center, multi-income housing, and a childcare center available to the organization’s participants – or “Dwyer Scholars.” It will be designed to provide a nurturing environment to help eliminate systemic poverty-related barriers for Scholars, recruit more Scholars, and employ community members.
“We are thrilled to have Seawall Development, Blank Slate, and Enterprise Community Development join the Resurrection Sandtown team and our efforts to work with the Sandtown community to revitalize the neighborhood,” said Barb Clapp, CEO of DWD. “Not only do they bring incredible expertise, but these organizations also share in our commitment to develop creative, person-centered solutions to remove barriers to success and uplift underserved communities. The Dwyer Scholar Healthcare Village is a first-of-its-kind initiative that will provide resources and opportunities that many people may never have thought possible, which will empower individuals and the greater community to accomplish their dreams.”
By combining innovative design, strategic partnerships, and community involvement, Resurrection Sandtown aims to make Sandtown a center for opportunity, strengthening the community and all people within it. To learn more and stay informed on project updates and upcoming community engagement meetings, please visit Resurrection Sandtown: https://resurrectionsandtown.org/.
About Ames Shalom Community, Inc.
Ames Shalom Community, Inc. is a nonprofit community development organization affiliated with the Ames Memorial United Methodist Church of the Baltimore Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church whose mission is to play a significant role in the transformation of Sandtown by empowering people to become self-sustaining in a holistic way, as individuals, families and community stakeholders.
About Dwyer Workforce Development (www.dwyerworkforcedev.org)
Dwyer Workforce Development is a unique 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to provide comprehensive support to individuals who lack opportunity and aspire to pursue a career in the healthcare industry, alleviate a severe healthcare workforce shortage, and improve the lives of seniors and the community at large. Dwyer Workforce Development provides program participants – Dwyer Scholars – Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training, job placement support in skilled nursing and assisted living facilities, need-based wraparound services, and person-centered case management to foster successful outcomes. Founded by businessman, philanthropist and entrepreneur, Jack Dwyer and his family, in 2021, DWD’s unique model is redefining what it means to give back by creating career opportunities for those who lack opportunity, reducing healthcare staff shortages, and improving senior care. For more information, visit www.dwyerworkforcedev.org and follow DWD on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
About Seawall (www.seawall.com)
Seawall is a community organization made up of passionate social entrepreneurs who believe in re-imagining the real estate industry as we know it. We believe that all facets of the built environment should be used to empower communities, unite our cities, and help launch powerful ideas that create important movements. Combining decades of real estate development experience and non-profit community work, we have formed a socially conscious development company. Seawall has focused its energy and resources on providing discounted apartments for teachers, collaborative office space for non-profit organizations, community- driven retail, launchpads for chefs, and creative space for charter schools.
Seawall’s history of success is due in large part to deep relationships with neighborhood residents and business owners, as well as demonstrated and continuing commitment to responsible, inclusive development that is responsive to neighborhood needs and wants.
About Blank Slate Development (www.blankslatecdm.com)
Established in 2017, Blank Slate is a minority-owned development and construction company that specializes in revitalizing vacant historic properties and stabilizing distressed neighborhoods. Part of Blank Slate’s ethos includes fostering a company culture that empowers employees, unleashes creativity, and maintains integrity. The firm is committed to promoting development without displacement and sustainable mixed-income communities. As it grows, Blank Slate will continue to collaborate with community residents, local non-profits, and strategic partners.
About Enterprise Community Development (www.enterprisecommunity.org)
Enterprise Community Developmentis a mission-driven affordable housing provider that specializes in high-impact residential development, preservation, property management and resident services for more than 24,000 people who call our communities home. Our $1.4 billion portfolio includes 115 communities and 14,000 homes, positioning us as the largest nonprofit affordable housing provider in the Mid-Atlantic and the sixth largest nonprofit owner of affordable housing in the United States. We are an affiliate of Enterprise Community Partners.
Enterprise Community Partners’ Mid-Atlantic Market has an extensive history of helping Baltimore City communities through our Faith-Based Development InitiativeSM, which has provided $211 million in grants, loans and equity in faith-based development in the Mid-Atlantic. Since the inception of the Resurrection Sandtown project in 2016, Enterprise has provided critical support through a Baltimore City based cohort, including training, consulting by industry professionals, grant funding and technical assistance to Pastor Hudson to help him guide a project as complex as the Resurrection Sandtown project.
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