Homes for America (HFA) is bringing new affordable housing to a historic property in Baltimore.
The nonprofit developer held a groundbreaking for Clare Court II, an 83-unit community in the city’s Waverly and Ednor Gardens-Lakeside neighborhood.
The project is located on an 8-acre campus first developed in 1917 by the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi as the St. Elizabeth’s Home for Female Colored Orphans. The orphanage closed around 1960, and the building then operated as a school for children with special needs and a residential high school, which relocated to a new building in 1967.
To better utilize the aging convent building, the Sisters sought new uses such as affordable housing in keeping with their mission and values, which led to the relationship with HFA.
In 2004, the affordable housing organization purchased a portion of the convent building to create 30 one-, two-, and four-bedroom affordable apartments. The Sisters maintained their convent space until the order moved to Milwaukee in 2019.
HFA has acquired this space in the convent building, the remaining land owned by the Sisters, and the Stone House. The Stone House was constructed in the 1800s and serves as a community space for residents of Clare Court.
“Clare Court II represents not just an investment in affordable housing but in people and community,” said Dana Johnson, president of Homes for America. “By preserving a historic property and creating new, modern homes with supportive services, we are making sure that Baltimore families have access to the stability and opportunity they deserve.”
Clare Court II will involve the renovation of the 30 existing apartments and common spaces in the convent building, as well as the conversion of the former convent space into 12 new apartments. The Stone House will also undergo renovation.
Finally, a new three-story, garden-style building is under construction to include 41 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments along with additional parking. The completed project will have a total of 83 apartments and newly renovated community spaces.
Rents at Clare Court II will be limited to between 30% and 60% of the area median income. Fifteen existing units have a Section 8 subsidy, and 10 new units will have project-based vouchers, a portion of which will support five permanent supportive housing units.
“The rising cost of housing is a burden far too many Baltimore families face. With support of $3 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Clare Court II will expand affordable housing options and ensure more Baltimoreans have a place to call home,” said Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.).
The $31 million project is among the first in Baltimore supported by the city’s Housing Accelerator Fund and HOME-ARP resources.
Other financing partners for the low-income housing tax credit and bond development include Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Cinnaire, and the The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation.
Development partners include architect Hord Coplan Macht and Southway Builders. Once complete, Clare Court II will be managed by Habitat America.