OVERVIEW

Spearheaded by the City of Baltimore, South Baltimore Gateway Partnership, and Parks & People, this initiative centers on equity, justice, and resilience to address historic inequities and revitalize underserved communities. Urbane Development played a pivotal role in shaping the Reimagine Middle Branch Plan, contributing expertise in funding strategies, governance models, and equitable design to ensure the project delivers on its promise of community empowerment and environmental restoration. 

The plan envisions a cohesive “park-shed” that channels people from surrounding neighborhoods to the Middle Branch waterfront. Guided by four equity-driven frameworks—Protect the Shoreline, Transform Barriers into Connections, Active and Inclusive Parks, and Equitable Development—the initiative blends environmental restoration with economic opportunities. Urbane’s role in the project was instrumental, with the firm crafting key strategies for funding, governance, and implementation. These contributions were essential to the plan’s ambitious vision, ensuring that it is not only visionary but also feasible, sustainable, and centered on community needs. 

In the funding strategy, Urbane evaluated existing revenue streams such as casino local impact grants and community benefit agreements and identified opportunities for new funding sources. Their approach leveraged diverse streams, including federal infrastructure grants, philanthropic contributions, and private investments, to create a robust financial model that supports both capital projects and long-term operations. Urbane also emphasized innovative mechanisms like cooperative partnerships and value capture strategies to ensure sustainable funding for ongoing maintenance and programming. The success of this approach is reflected in the $175 million already raised, enabling critical projects like the Middle Branch Fitness and Wellness Center, wetland restoration under the Middle Branch Resiliency Initiative, and enhanced park maintenance programs. 

In addition to funding, Urbane’s work on governance ensured that the plan elevated community voices and distributed leadership among public, private, and nonprofit stakeholders. By designing inclusive decision-making processes, Urbane helped align project goals with local priorities, empowering South Baltimore residents to take ownership of the transformation. The governance model emphasized procedural transparency, structural equity, and accountability, ensuring that the benefits of the initiative would be felt across all 19 neighborhoods. 

Urbane also contributed significantly to the implementation strategy, crafting a phased approach that prioritizes early wins while building long-term capacity for transformative change. The firm outlined a timeline for projects that balances immediate needs—such as trail connectivity and shoreline protection—with complex, multi-year efforts like the creation of mixed-use developments and large-scale park enhancements. This phased strategy ensures that the initiative maintains momentum while addressing systemic challenges in areas like housing affordability, transportation access, and workforce development. 

On the design and architecture fronts, Urbane’s input helped shape a vision that integrates environmental restoration with urban vitality. The plan includes over 50 acres of wetland restoration to enhance resilience against flooding and erosion, alongside the creation of new parks, boardwalks, and recreation facilities. The architectural elements prioritize inclusivity, with designs that accommodate diverse uses and ensure accessibility for all residents. Projects like the East-West Pedestrian Bridge and Middle Branch Park improvements embody this vision, connecting communities while fostering cultural and recreational engagement. 

Reimagine Middle Branch has already delivered substantial outcomes, from the installation of the Gwynns Falls Trash Wheel to the opening of new parks and trails that enhance public access to the waterfront. Future initiatives will build on these successes, with plans to expand community-supported agriculture programs, strengthen local food systems, and foster partnerships with institutional buyers. By aligning funding, governance, and design with equity-driven goals, Urbane has helped position Reimagine Middle Branch as a model for holistic urban revitalization. 

This initiative is not just a physical transformation—it is a reimagining of what equity and sustainability can look like in urban development. Through thoughtful planning, inclusive governance, and innovative funding, Reimagine Middle Branch is creating a resilient, connected, and thriving waterfront that reflects the aspirations of South Baltimore’s diverse communities. Urbane Development’s contributions ensure that equity remains at the heart of this transformation, paving the way for a future where everyone has a stake in the prosperity and vitality of the Middle Branch.