Belvedere Improvement Association Lot

The Challenge: What to do with an empty parking lot along a busy commercial corridor?

For decades, this lot in Govans, Baltimore has been used as parking for the Senator Theater and nearby businesses. Now, it’s owned by the Belvedere Improvement Association (BIA), who hope to turn it into a vibrant, low-maintenance gathering space.

Vision: Create new low-budget community space that serves nearby residents and neighborhood organizations along a commercial corridor.

Several key ideas arose through the visioning process. Neighbors discussed shorter term ideas like a pop-up space for vendor markets or special events, an outdoor movie or concert space, a pavilion with solar panels and electric vehicle stations, a dog park, a native tree arboretum, picnic space, community garden, and an open landscaped plaza that can be rented for events.

After gathering more in-depth feedback from the newly formed residential Lot Committee, the volunteer design team settled on this last idea to develop further — a landscaped plaza with community event amenities — due to the idea’s relative feasibility and flexibility.

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Resident-led design — phase 1

Following a series of community workshops in spring 2025, NDC’s Community Design Works volunteer architects developed options — one focused on a gridded tree canopy and another featuring diagonal paths, a pavilion, and a circular gathering area. Both retained some on-site parking for nearby business patrons and event visitors.

Initial design in phase 1 shown to the community. Feedback included concerns over the grid of trees, since natural desire paths currently cut diagonally through the space, as well as the want for a more centrally located, rentable gathering space.

Final Belvedere Improvement Association Lot plan. Labeled rendering features diagonal paths, thoughtful plantings, a pavilion, and a circular gathering area.

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Phase 2 — a refined design, by and for the community

The final concept reflects a flexible neighborhood space that can host community activities as capacity grows. BIA will use these designs to seek contractor estimates, pursue grants, and engage broader community partners for implementation. Our team offered guidance on materials, tree selection, and compliance with Baltimore City’s stormwater requirements.

Animation showing potential uses for the gravel section, from traditional parking spots to an area suited for booth tents and picnic benches.

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The power of pro bono design

This project was created by design volunteers Heather Corcoran and Audrey Cho, with direction by NDC staff Maura Dwyer and Julia DiMauro. This was a Community Design Works CDBG project funded through Baltimore City’s DHCD.

Last updated February 2026