The Walbrook neighborhood in West Baltimore has seen significant improvements to its community co-owned shopping center, Walbrook Junction, since it was purchased in early 2021.
Thanks to a $2.2 million renovation project by ChicagoTREND, a commercial real estate development firm, the shopping center has been revamped. This overhaul also included a crowdfunding campaign that raised $332,500 from small investors. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development is supporting ChicagoTREND’s efforts to create smaller tenant spaces within the open space subdivision.
One major change being made by ChicagoTREND is reconfiguring the largest space previously occupied by Rite Aid. According to Lyneir Richardson, CEO of Chicago TREND: “In just six months time at Walbrook Junction we have completed crucial upgrades that are great news for our 130 local investors and residents of Walbrook.” These upgrades were made possible through funding provided by Mayor Brandon Scott and the Baltimore Development Corporation.
Some notable improvements include installing a new roof for the entire property; enhancing its façade; repaving the parking lot; installing state-of-the-art security systems; helping a Black entrepreneur open up a high-quality laundromat on site; and extending leases for existing tenants such as grocery stores. Overall, these renovations aim to improve both aesthetics and functionality at this important community hub in Baltimore.
