Work in Progress — Parity Mixed Used Development

We’re kicking off the process of designing plans to renovate a vacant property in Harlem Park by listening to neighbors this month about what they would like to see in the new space. 

The Neighborhood Design Center will work with Parity Homes, a Baltimore-based startup,
over the next six months to design a conceptual plan to renovate the currently vacant corner property in West Baltimore. The renovated property will be a mixed-use building with commercial space and Parity Homes’ new offices. 

Parity’s unique model addresses the need for equitable development that actively builds community cohesion. Without this we miss a critical step in addressing the prevalent and
severe racial wealth gap compounded by redlining, discriminatory lending practices and generational wealth hardship.

In a recent Fast Company article, Parity announced they are working with a “group of 25
people from the neighborhood. The program aims to help prepare them to move into the renovated houses together. “We’re really kind of building a movement amongst folks who are all committed to this idea of equity and social justice.”

“The organization is also working with existing homeowners in the area to help them stay in their current housing. ”Part of what makes our model distinct from other developers is
that we’re not just focused on the construction of new housing, but we’re focused on ensuring that legacy residents are retained and can stay in their neighborhood as long as they want and participate in the revitalization.”

We look forward to hearing feedback and seeing how it will help guide and shape our design!