$20 Buys Space for $100M Mixed-Income Housing Complex

Situated on an eight-block parcel of rolling hills and lawns in a middle-income neighborhood in Southwest Baltimore, the Uplands formerly consisted of 970 low-income apartment units that had fallen into disrepair over the years. The complex was originally developed in the early 1950s and underwent a renovation before it was converted into subsidized housing two decades ago.

As of late, however, the property proved to be more of a hindrance than a help to the neighborhood. "The Uplands Apartments have been a consistent source of problems to their Southwest Baltimore neighbors," delegate Samuel I. Rosenberg writes in his 2003 General Assembly Session Newsletter. "State dollars will be needed to assist the city in demolishing this eyesore and then redeveloping the site." It is unclear what funding contribution the state is planning to make, but the city is, indeed, on board. Under the $18-million Mayor's Blight Elimination Initiative, the Uplands Apartments will be among the 2,200 units scheduled for demolition this year. City officials hope to begin the demolition process at the Uplands soon after the property's remaining tenants, who are currently occupying 19 units, vacate the premises.