By Ed Gunts – March 16, 2021
Baltimore had a rare in-person “groundbreaking” yesterday, as nearly 50 people gathered in Station North to mark the start of a $6.6 million renovation of the former Odell’s nightclub, vacant for nearly 30 years.
The Tudor Revival-style building at 19-21 East North Avenue will become an arts and technology hub containing office and classroom space for two non-profits that work with young people, Young Audiences and Code in the Schools, as well as a venue for community events.
The renovated building will allow Young Audiences for the first time in its 70-year history to deliver some of its programs in its own headquarters. It will enable Code in the Schools to accommodate more students in after-school and summer programs and more teachers in professional development workshops.
Funding includes $800,000 from the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation; $400,000 from the Central Baltimore Partnership; $350,000 from the Central Baltimore Future Fund; $200,000 from the Abell Foundation, and $200,000 from the France Merrick Foundation. The developers also received a $1.9 million Neighborhood Impact Investment Fund loan as well as federal historic tax credits, Maryland Historical Trust tax credits and New Markets Tax Credits.