Early Charm Signs as Inaugural Tenant at The Machine Works Redevelopment

$25 million redevelopment of former Detrick & Harvey Machine Works factory in East Baltimore City being undertaken by partnership of ReBUILD Metro and MCB Real Estate

Early Charm has signed a lease for 4,894 square feet of space as the lead tenant at The Machine Works, the former Detrick & Harvey Machine Works factory in East Baltimore City that is being redeveloped by a joint venture partnership between ReBUILD Metro and MCB Real Estate. Early Charm creates, owns, and operates ventures that convert science into products, and intends to expand its Baltimore footprint with a new venture that will be housed at Machine Works.

“Maryland is lucky to have partners like Early Charm, ReBUILD Metro and MCB Real Estate, who are committed to breathing new life into a Baltimore City neighborhood long overdue for redevelopment,” said Gov. Wes Moore. “This investment at a historic site in East Baltimore not only lays the groundwork for new business, but for economic growth benefitting the surrounding community and its residents.”

The $25 million redevelopment aims to transform the former factory – which was built in the 19th century and was utilized to manufacture large-scale machine tools and equipment for use by Baltimore-area steel, shipbuilding, and railroad companies – into a new center designed for innovative manufacturers, producers, makers and creatives. Situated on approximately 1.23 acres, the development is configured to support 34,000 square feet of light industrial and 10,000 square feet of commercial office space.

“The intended use of Early Charm matches our strategy of attracting quality manufacturing jobs that are accessible to individuals across all education levels, offering roles that can have a life-changing impact on individuals and their families.,” stated P. David Bramble, MCB Real Estate’s Managing Partner and Co-founder. Manufacturing companies tend to establish lasting roots due to significant investments in equipment that are not easily relocated. Here in Baltimore, those roots are further strengthened by robust local supply chains. This stability makes the sector a powerful engine for sustained community impact. The Machine Works exemplifies our firm’s dedication to developing projects that uplift entire communities and foster inclusive economic growth.”

Early Charm will use its space at Machine Works to expand its manufacturing capabilities in ceramics and nanomaterials, using high-powered kilns and furnaces. This expansion supports Early Charm’s broader mission: transforming scientific discoveries into scalable, sustainable manufacturing businesses that create high-quality jobs accessible to Baltimore’s diverse workforce. By focusing on small-batch, high-mix production for commercial and national security applications, Early Charm contributes to reshoring critical supply chains and building an economy of real production, not promises.

“MCB and ReBUILD are showing what serious community investment looks like. Redeveloping a historic site to bring clean, safe manufacturing jobs into a welcoming neighborhood ready to grow,” stated Early Charm Executive Officer Ken Malone. “We’re proud to join their efforts by expanding our high-performance ceramics capabilities at Machine Works and partnering with others making bold moves in Baltimore. We’re also grateful for the substantial support of the TEDCO Equitech Growth Fund in this project.”

Former historic factory to reopen as small business hub

ReBUILD Metro and MCB Real Estate acquired the former historic Detrick & Harvey factory with a vision to reopen the site as a small business hub, and provide a space for socially-responsible businesses to establish a presence in Baltimore and serve as a platform for organizations to create positive economic and social impacts for local residents. Work is underway to reconfigure the historic factory complex into code-compliant space suitable for office and manufacturing uses, as well as midsize maker studios. Targeted end-users include small enterprises seeking a community-oriented environment, micro-businesses outgrowing shared spaces, manufacturers, artisans, and non-profits.

In November of 2024, the Maryland Historical Trust awarded Machine Works $5 million in State Historic Revitalization Tax Credits, a critical piece of financing needed to rejuvenate the site while preserving its irreplaceable historic features. The project is also receiving support from both the Maryland and Baltimore City Departments of Housing and Community Development and through a HUD Community Project Funding Grant backed by Congressman Kweisi Mfume.

“We’re thrilled that Early Charm will bring its focus on innovation and translating scientific discoveries into business growth to this exciting redevelopment project,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Harry Coker, Jr. “The Machine Works will link Maryland’s proud legacy of manufacturing with modern, advanced technologies and processes. It will connect our history with the economy of the future.”

Redevelopment part of larger $200 million plan to revitalize the Johnston Square community

The Machine Works redevelopment is part of a broader effort by ReBUILD Metro, in partnership with Rebuild Johnston Square Neighborhood Organization, to eliminate abandonment and complete the revitalization of East Baltimore’s Johnston Square neighborhood. The long-vacant industrial complex had become a major nuisance property that was undermining ReBUILD’s revitalization efforts, which also includes the redevelopment of abandoned single-family houses; multifamily affordable housing projects; recreational facilities; and commercial space. The redevelopment and renewal of the property was identified by local residents as a key priority in the Johnston Square Vision Plan, which was completed in 2020.

Johnston Square is situated between Amtrak’s Penn Station and the Johns Hopkins East Baltimore Medical Campus, a site where more than $8 billion worth of infrastructure and development is planned or currently underway. It is within walking distance of Open Works, 1812 Greenmount, Area 405, the Baltimore Jewelry Center, North Avenue Market and Station North Tool Library.

“Machine Works is a cornerstone in a community-led transformation process, and we are proud to collaborate with MCB and Johnston Square residents to direct resources and expertise toward revitalizing this troubled property into a new driver of opportunity,” said Sean Closkey, President of REBUILD Metro. “This project will become another testament to what is possible when community residents, community developers, and City and State partners dream big and work together to take bold actions to transform East Baltimore’s neighborhoods.”

The Machine Works offers code-compliant space for offices, manufacturers, producers, makers, and creatives. For leasing inquiries, please email leasing@mcbrealestate.com.