Through the vision of Dr. Alvin C. Hathaway, Sr. and a coalition of supporters, the former P.S. 103 – Henry Highland Garnet School in Upton is being redeveloped as the Justice Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center, honoring the legacy of the Supreme Court Justice and providing services to the community. In November 2022, NIIF was proud to support this important work with a $3.3 million bridge loan as part of a $14 million New Markets Tax Credit transaction.
Once a thriving school that educated a number of future civil rights leaders including Justice Thurgood Marshall and Clarence Mitchell, Jr., the building at 1315 Division Street has sadly sat vacant for more than two decades. This project will transform the historic structure into a dynamic community hub and tourism site that will honor the proud legacy of Justice Marshall and provide a variety of services to city residents including legal support, restorative justice programming, and an evidence-based, public health gun violence intervention.
“I look at P.S. 103 and see the opportunity for a catalytic investment – for a historic building and for the people and the community of West Baltimore,” said Dr. Alvin C. Hathaway, Sr., President/CEO of Beloved Community Services Corporation and Pastor Emeritus of Union Baptist Church.
NIIF was joined by Reinvestment Fund which also provided bridge financing, leveraging support from US Bank, City First Bank and Enhanced Capital, as well as state, federal and philanthropic partners. Beloved Community Services Corporation sponsored the transaction, having been awarded the redevelopment rights through a competitive RFP process organized by the Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development.