Northwood Commons Wins CREW Baltimore’s Circle of Excellence Beacon Award for Community Impact

The Northwood Commons redevelopment has earned the 2023 CREW Baltimore Circle of Excellence Beacon Award for Best Community Impact. This award celebrates projects that embody CREWBaltimore’s values of leadership, excellence, influence, advancement, and community. Northwood Commons is a prime example of community-driven development revitalizing neighborhoods while addressing both historical and future needs.

Located next to Morgan State University (MSU), Northwood Commons transforms the former Northwood Plaza Shopping Center into a 100,000-square-foot hub with retail, dining, and services like a Lidl grocery store, Barnes & Noble College Café, McDonald’s, Chipotle, IHOP, and DTLR. The project also includes MSU’s new 24,500-square-foot public safety building, enhancing safety for students and residents.

The Need for Transformation
To understand the importance of Northwood Commons, we must consider the history of Northwood Plaza. Established in the 1940s, it was one of Baltimore’s first suburban-style shopping centers. However, its origins were tied to segregation, becoming a focal point for civil rights activism. MSU students led efforts to desegregate the space, notably with the Read’s Drug Store protest in 1955 and a 1963 demonstration against the Northwood Theater.

Despite these milestones, the original center began to decline over time. Changing consumer habits and the rise of malls diminished its viability. By the 1970s, new ownership sought to strengthen ties with MSU, but the plaza’s design could no longer meet the community’s needs.

With a vision for renewal, the development team revitalized the site, aiming to connect the local community with the university while honoring its history.

Impact on the Community

• Economic Revitalization: The $46 million Northwood Commons project has revitalized the area, creating 319 local jobs and attracting new businesses.
• Access to Essential Retail and Services: The development addresses a long-standing need in the area—a food desert. With the Lidl grocery store as an anchor, the center provides much-needed access to fresh food, along with other essential services.
• Honoring Historical Significance: Northwood Commons is a living tribute to the Civil Rights movement, now serving as a vibrant, inclusive community space. The project was led by a local construction company and funded through traditional debt and equity, with $20 million in funding from Harbor Bank.

Looking Ahead
Northwood Commons is more than just a commercial development; it’s a model of community collaboration and transformation. This award-winning project strengthens ties between MSU and the surrounding neighborhood while addressing local needs. Its success proves that when revitalization efforts are community-driven, they can create long-term positive change.

As Northwood Commons continues to thrive, it will undoubtedly serve as an inspiration for future developments, demonstrating the lasting impact of thoughtful, inclusive projects.