A Framework for Equitable Revitalization
Historically disinvested neighborhoods in West Baltimore have experienced the compounding effects of underinvestment, divisive infrastructure, and the socioeconomic consequences of discriminatory policymaking. The project area confronts significant challenges, including neighborhood vacancy rates as high as 55%, economic disparities with median home values at 40% of the city median, and poverty levels affecting 45% of residents.
The Greenprint was initiated to address these physical and social conditions. It serves as a strategic framework to confront historical inequities by centering community voices in the planning process. The ultimate goal is to guide the revitalization of vacant spaces into community assets while building sustainable pathways for long-term implementation and stewardship.

A Process Rooted in Capacity and Co-Design
The Greenprint is the result of a targeted, multi-faceted analysis and engagement process. The foundation of the strategy was a comprehensive capacity assessment of key community organizations participating in the Thriving Communities Program. This assessment combined document review, self-assessment surveys, and in-depth interviews to establish a baseline understanding of organizational strengths and support needs, ensuring the final recommendations were aligned with the partners' ability to implement them.
This analysis was paired with a robust community engagement effort that involved 43 residents across four in-person meetings and an online survey. The methodology utilized interactive, preference-gathering activities with visual materials to determine community priorities for vacant lots and a potential community farmers market. Key insights from this process revealed a strong preference for spaces that foster intergenerational connection, practical functionality, health and wellness, and inclusive design.
The synthesis of this research resulted in three scalable design prototypes for vacant lots. These prototypes are not site-specific; rather, they are flexible concepts based directly on community input, designed to be adapted for single, double, or triple lot configurations. The final Greenprint document is a practical tool for community organizations, city agencies, and funders, providing a clear implementation and metrics framework for moving from concept to construction.