City of Cambridge receives state funding boost for community revitalization projects
CAMBRIDGE, Md. – The City of Cambridge has received major support from the State of Maryland for several community improvement projects.
Mace’s Lane Community Center
The Mace’s Lane Community Center project was awarded $500,000 from the state’s Strategic Demolition Fund. The community center is a non-profit organization founded by the Good Shepherd Association and the Mace’s Lane Alumni Association.
The project seeks to convert the formerly segregated high school into a facility providing arts, sports, and education programming. It would also provide resources for local children. The money will be used to complete construction and the remaining renovations. Mayor Lajan Cephas said the project also aims to preserve important history.
“One portion of the building is dedicated to the history of the alumni. The remaining portion of the building is going to be facilitated by the Boys and Girls Club,” Mayor Cephas said.
444-448 Race Street Development Project
Meanwhile, phase three of the 444-448 Race Street Development Project was awarded $500,000. The money came from the state Department of Housing and Community Development’s Community Legacy program.
The City of Cambridge was redesignated as a Sustainable Community in Dec. 2023. The designation is a requirement for many revitalization projects in Maryland. Work on the Race Street project will include three retail spaces and nine apartments.
“It’s located on a very important commercial corridor of our city. We have many businesses there, and of course, everyone knows we are struggling with housing … It provides life and vibrancy for our downtown business area,” Mayor Cephas said.
Facade Improvement Program, Other Awards
The Facade Improvement Program in Cambridge received $50,000 from the state’s program. The money is intended to improve the appearance and historic appeal of commercial building exteriors within the city’s Sustainable Community area.
“It provides help for those who own properties if they need financial assistance for improving a facade, which gives it a beautiful appearance, which means a welcoming appearance,” Mayor Cephas said.
The Old City Hall renovation project at 307 Gay Street received $100,000 from Community Legacy to build a community room. In addition, two awards totaling $550,000 were granted for the Packing House from Community Legacy and the state’s Strategic Demolition Fund. The funds will be used to furnish the Packing House’s shared-use commercial kitchen and complete interior and exterior event spaces.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, City Manager Glenn Steckman said in a press release he looks forward to keeping the ball rolling on revitalization.
“The City is grateful for these generous awards from the State of Maryland, which demonstrate its ongoing support of Cambridge’s work to improve its buildings and economy for the betterment of the lives of all our residents,” Steckman stated in the release.
Mayor Cephas believes investing in community projects like these benefits not only residents but also newcomers.
“With that investment, it just creates a more vibrant community … I think that would attract people to not only move here, vacation here, but maybe even do business here,” Mayor Cephas said.
