Green Roofs in Baltimore

Earlier this week, the Baltimore Sun ran a story on the growing popularity of "green roofs". Green roofs are created by covering a rubberized roof with gravel and top soil and then planting it with succculents or other drought resistant plants. The benefits of this type of roof are many. A planted roof reduces the amount of water runoff flowing into the bay. Additionally, a planted roof helps reduce utility costs by keeping the roof cooler than a traditional black roof. Not to mention they look great!

The Michael Group installed a green roof at the South Baltimore Station last fall. The South Baltimore Station Project included the construction of a new building adjacent to the historic fire station the SBS has called home for the past 20 years.

"In addition to reducing our energy consumption and improving stormwater management, our roof also provides psychological and aesthetic benefits to staff and residents when visiting its garden like setting" says Susan Pompa, Director of Development for the Baltimore Station. Susan goes on to say "With long-term strategic planning in mind, our green roof will save us money in replacement costs, as green roofs have a longer life span than standard roofs. We are happy to be among the many other buildings in Baltimore who have a green roof in place."

Baltimore has one of the fastest growing number of green roofs in the country. The Michael Group looks forward to installing these eco-friendly roofs for future clients. To learn more about green roofs check out greenroofs.com or contact the The Michael Group for more information.

New Wheels for Sandtown Habitat

Sandtown Habitat for Humanity has been using the same flat bed pick up truck for 14 years. While they considered getting a second truck, in case their current one kicks the bucket, they haven't been able to afford it. The Michael Group happened to have a truck that wasn't being used and was taking up valuable garage space at our office. Michael Shacklette, hoping to donate the truck to a local non-profit, reached out to Patty Prasada-Rao, our partner at New Song Urban Ministries. Turns out, it was a good fit.

Last Tuesday, the Michael Group donated a truck to Sandtown Habitat. The truck will be used by Habitat staff for purchasing/picking up building materials, getting materials from the warehouse to the various houses in our 15 square block focus area, receiving items that are donated to the ReStore, and much more. The Habitat construction staff will be sharing the truck with the electrical crew to help transport equipment and materials to the houses being rehabbed.

To learn more about Sandtown Habitat and how you too can make a donation or volunteer your time, check out their website at http://www.sandtownhabitat.org/

Maryland to Get Stimulus Money for Affordable Housing

Things in the Affordable Housing market in Maryland have been...challenging as of late. Certainly the need for affordable housing is growing. With foreclosures at an all time high and unemployment going through the roof, affordable housing is as important as ever.

The Baltimore Business Journal reported this week that Maryland DHCD was awarded $44 million in stimulus funds specifically to develop affordable housing projects. These funds will supplement the Low Income Housing Tax Credit dollars that were awarded earlier this year.

While the need still outweighs dollars, here's hoping that important community projects like the St. Stephen's Court Apartments, get started soon as a result of this award.

TMG Goes to the O's!

Back in April, at the Baltimore Station's Homerun for Recovery, the Michael Group bid on and won tickets to the Orioles game on July 11. These weren't any old seats though-these were 22 tickets for the Governor's box!

So on a hot, summer, Saturday night the Michael Group went out to see the O's. Many of the staff had never been to Camden Yards. Even those that had been to a game before still felt a sense of excitement.

The team got their picture taken in front of the famous Babe Ruth statue.

What an exciting game to go to! The O's won in extra innings and a great time was had by all.

Meeting our Neighbors

It turns out, that the Associated's offices are right around the corner from ours. Even though we are in close physical proximity to each other, we have not had an opportunity to work with this great group. The Associated, also known as the Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore, works to preserve and enhance Jewish life. They focus on charitable, educational, religious, humanitarian, health, cultural, and social service needs in the Jewish community locally, nationally and abroad.

I recently read an article in the Baltimore Business Journal that mentioned the Associated's Real Estate Industry Group (REIG). This is basically a group of Real Estate professionals that meet regularly to discuss trends and developments in the industry. What seemed really cool is that the networking events are held at a development project (last year-Silo Point, Legg Mason Building, Pratt Street Development and others) and the group is addressed by someone involved in the project (owner, developer etc) and then there is time for networking.

I was excited to meet today with Allyson Lestner, the staff person who heads up the REIG. While the REIG has focused primarily on commercial projects to date, Allyson was interested in the Michael Group's work and our focus on Affordable Housing and Community Development. I'm looking forward to getting involved in the REIG in the coming year. It seems like a great way to meet new people and find out about new projects. I'll keep you posted on the REIG's upcoming events as the calendar becomes available.