It’s Almost Time to Celebrate at the Druid Hill Y

Final coats of paint are being put on, floors are being waxed and people are getting ready…to reopen the Druid Hill Family Center YMCA this Friday after several months of pro bono renovation work.

 

Each January for the past 35 years, the Y of Central Maryland hosts a breakfast to honor Dr. King. This year, the Y decided to forego the event and invest time and energy instead into the revitalization of the historic Druid Hill Family Center Y in Baltimore.

The Michael Group, which has been a financial supporter of the Y for many years, is the lead volunteer contractor on this project. The Michael Group, together with Peristyle Design and a committee of dedicated volunteers enlisted subcontractors and suppliers to work pro bono at the facility to get the job done.

John K. Hoey, President & CEO of the Y of Central Maryland added “The outpouring of support for this project inclusive of volunteer labor, is nothing short of amazing and truly inspirational. The Michael Group and Peristyle have all gone above and beyond. The community we serve in Druid Hill will benefit greatly from their contributions.”

“The partnerships we have built on this project are inspiring. It just goes to show, that even in bad economic times, generous businesses and individuals are willing to help out for a good cause.” said Perry Savoy, Owner of Peristyle Design.

The Druid Hill Family Center Y will officially reopen the gymnasium, lobby and computer lab on Friday, April 30. From 1 to 6 p.m. when the Y and its lead sponsors will host a free community block party in front of the center. All are welcome to enjoy food, live music, face painting, free books, community vendors and artists, the Y Fit-n-Fun Van, a farmer’s market, games, giveaways and other activities.

Be sure to come check it out!

A Win for Affordable Housing in Maryland

The Michael Group wants to congratulate the Maryland Affordable Housing Coalition on it’s great work this past legislative season. Two important housing initiatives were passed as the end of this year’s Legislative Session.

First, the Maryland Affordable Housing Trust was fully funded at the $2,000,000 requested by the Maryland Affordable Housing Coalition and it’s supporters. MAHT funding will help generate more affordable housing opportunities state-wide, put Marylanders back to work and further propels the Coalition’s goal of creating and preserving more affordable housing in Maryland. 

The second was the passing of the Sustainable Communities Act of 2010. This Act will provide $10 million for the Sustainable Communities Tax Credit. It replaces the former Maryland Heritage Structure Rehabilitation Tax Credit. Its primary objective is to support existing communities as desirable places to live and do business and to reduce outward pressure for sprawl development.

The Michael Group is proud to be a member of the Maryland Affordable Housing Coalition. If you are committed to Affordable Housing and are not yet a member of MAHC, please consider joining. Your participation will make a difference. For more information about joining MAHC, check out their website.

Baltimore Sun photo by Barbara Haddock Taylor / April 12, 2010): Governor Martin O'Malley, left, watches from the House of Delegates gallery as one of his legislative initiatives, House Bill 472, is declared passed. Kimberly Fry, Executive Director of Maryland Affordable Housing Coalition, is in center. The bill deals with residential property foreclosure procedures. Kurt Sommer of the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development is on right.

Step Up to the Plate

The Michael Group is proud to be a sponsor for the Baltimore Station’s upcoming annual fundraiser: The Homerun for Recovery. This is a party you don’t want to miss. The party takes place at Nick’s Seafood at Cross Street Market on April 22nd from 6:00pm-9:30pm. The Tickets are $60 in advance and $70 at the door. For the cost of your ticket you and eat and drink all you want while mingling with Baltimore movers and shakers! The live and silent auctions are not to be missed. Prizes include memorabilia, tickets to Orioles and Ravens events and other unique experiences, vacation trips and more.

Who knew going out to party with your friends and colleagues could do so much good!

Your support helps hundreds of Baltimore's addicted men and returning veterans enter recovery and resume healthy, productive lives

The funds raised support a cost-effective proven program addressing addiction and homelessness

The Baltimore Station program reduces crime, the cost of unemployment and imprisonment

Hope to see you there!

HOUSING DAY 2010

The Michael Group made it out to Housing Day last week despite the snow. Maryland Housing Day in Annapolis is an annual event which allows affordable housing professionals and advocates to come together to hear about the current year’s legislative agenda. It’s also a chance to talk to your representatives about the importance of affordable housing in MD. This year, the Maryland Affordable Housing Coalition urged all of it’s members to make two requests to legislators:

1. Support the Governor’s request to maintain last year’s funding lever for the DHCD Rental Housing Programs and Partnership Rental Housing Funds. These funds total $21.5 million.

2. Authorize $2 million in general obligation bonds to be allocated to the Maryland Affordable Housing Trust fund. This fund is desperately needed just to bring the funding for MAHT up to the typical level.

PLEASE call your legislators and tell them to support the above mentioned issues. If you don’t know who your legislators are you can go to http://mdelect.net/ and find out.

Don’t forget: Housing MATTERS!

Starting work at Halpine Hamlet

The Michael Group is beginning work this week on Halpine Hamlet, a 67 unit garden style apartment located in Rockville, Maryland. Halpine Hamlet was purchased by Montgomery Housing Partnership back in September 2009. The fact that Halpine is located in close proximity to the Twinbrook Metro was a driving force behind MHP’s decision to purchase the property. Preserving affordable housing within walking distance of the Metro is a key victory for MHP. The Michael Group is proud to begin work on this important preservation project.

For this first phase of the project, we will be replacing 50% of the HVAC units with new, energy efficient units. We will also be replacing all of the roofs on all of the buildings.

While our official work is beginning this week, we were able to meet the staff and residents at the property’s holiday party. The Michael Group donated $5,000 for children’s gifts as well as food and drinks for the party. The residents (seen below) had a great time and we were happy to get a chance to be involved.

TMG Sponsors ULI Holiday Party

Last month, the Michael Group was the proud sponsor of the Urban Land Institute’s Holiday Party here in Baltimore! The party was held at the new Legg Mason Building at Inner Harbor East. What a view!

The Urban Land Institute is a fabulous organization to be a part of. It is made up of developers, architects, builders, engineers and others that are focused on development, the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide.

We were able to reconnect with some of our old friends and colleagues.

Michael Shacklette, President of the Michael Group and David Hunter of Hord Coplan Macht

Caroline Moore, ULI Baltimore Chair and Peter Fillat of Peter Fillat Architects

Some of the Michael Group staff talking to Emmitt Smith of ESmith Legacy, Inc.

We also met some great new partners that we look forward to working with in the future.

Otis Rolley of the Central Maryland Transportation Alliance and Babila Lima from the office of the Council President.

Michael Furbish of the Furbish Company and Randon Bosch of Fritch, Whitney Bailey Cox and Magnani.

Michael Shacklette, President of the Michael Group, actor Sonja Sohn of ReWired for Change and Michael Blake of Marks Thomas Architects

It was a great party and everyone went home with some Michael Group SWAG!

Thanks to our great friends at SPIN for putting on such a great party! Thanks to Arianne Temple for the great photos!

Photos of Monte Verde

I’m sure many of you have heard ALOT about our Monte Verde Project. Too much? I don’t believe it! It’s just such a great project I can’t stop sharing about it! Here are some photos taken by Tom Holdsworth of Hord Coplan Macht. For more information on the project, contact Ellen Frost at emf@themichaelgroup.net

A Typical Bedroom

The Common Living Room

The Common Living Room

The New Hallways