Baltimore Heritage is collaborating with the Heritage Crossing Residents Association to restore the Perkins Square gazebo!
The neighborhood of Heritage Crossing turned 25 years old last year, and in preparing for that milestone, the Residents Association developed a list of priorities that would help them improve their public spaces. Improving the landscaping in the central park and restoring the gazebo were at the top of the priority list. The Perkins Square gazebo is a vital public space for the predominantly Black West Baltimore community. The community was created to bring new vibrancy to this part of Baltimore as high rise public housing apartments that were here were demolished.
The gazebo has been at the heart of the Heritage Crossing community since it was erected in the 1850s to provide shade for people getting water from a natural spring, and today is in the center of the park. This year, the Residents Association is partnering with Baltimore Heritage to help secure qualified contractors who are experience with historic structures and help raise the funds needed to undertake the work.
Baltimore Heritage completed a new strategic plan in 2023 that calls for us to directly assist communities in preservation projects. Heritage Crossing is the first community partnership that Baltimore Heritage has entered into under its new strategic plan, a recognition of the importance of the historic gazebo and the impact that its restoration will have on the Heritage Crossing community.
The restored gazebo is a key component to the Heritage Crossing community’s ongoing effort to improve the park and build community. Baltimore Heritage is honored to be part of such an important project! Stay tuned for more details about a ribbon cutting ceremony when the restoration is complete.
–Enzi Evergreen