Future of Hollins

This past week I focused on gathering information about the future of Hollins Market in regard to the redevelopment. I found out some intriguing information and even came across an article from this week about the redevelopment. The new vision for the Market space seems very promising, but I worry it may be a little too nice for the area. Only in regard to it looking out of place. The new plans show a new modern market area in a neighborhood of rundown and abandoned homes. The new market space will have 21 vendor spaces of various sizes. The biggest issue the area is facing now is to close the market down during reconstruction or not. If they close it down, this leaves vendors helpless, but it will also speed up the construction process. War Horse may have a building to relocate vendors to during this time, but a decision has not been made. I was also in contact with a representative from War Horse, Jim Mills. I asked him some specific questions pertaining to War Horses role in the redevelopment. He was also able to provide me with War Horses' official one page over view of the Hollins Market project. 

Why did War Horse decide to buy Hollins Market and redevelop the community? Is there a connection here?

I know of the Market itself and a block of residences on Hollins street, besides these improvements, what other plans does War Horse have in store for the Hollins Market area?

I read that Baltimore city is ‘leasing’ Hollins Market to War Horse, how long does War Horse plan to hold the lease? Until all projects/redevelopment are finished, or even further into the future?

This was Jims response. 

Our impetus to get involved in the community came with our selection by the City to renovate the shed building of the Market under a long term lease agreement where we would operate the Market.  After the uprising, our CEO took an interest in the west side, starting with the renovations to the Western District Police Station (see our website for more information), turning it into a community engagement center along with the police function.   With the acquisition of a large portfolio of buildings around Hollins through our not-for-profit Community Development Corporation, which was owned for several years (decades?) without any improvements, we saw the opportunity to stabilize the neighborhood by improving both the Market and these surrounding properties. 

These pictures were taken from