The former Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) building at 8123 Harford Road in Parkville, Maryland, is set for a transformative redevelopment as the EPICENTER Community Center. A public groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for March 25, 2024, marking the initiation of a fundraising effort aimed at providing essential services, including hunger relief, youth programming, and support for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Project Overview and Features
The EPICENTER Community Center, according to Baltimore Fishbowl, will feature a community café, a choice-style food pantry, hot showers for those in need, dedicated classrooms for youth, and green spaces for community use. This groundbreaking event will launch the public phase of an ambitious $1.1 million initiative, which is part of a broader $9 million transformation project led by Mountain Christian Church, the organization responsible for the redevelopment.
Darrell McDavid, executive director of the EPICENTER, emphasized the significance of this moment, stating, “This moment represents far more than the start of construction.” The project aims not only to revitalize the structure but also to enhance community engagement and support.
Funding and Operational Details
A fact sheet from the State of Maryland outlines the project’s financial framework, indicating that the EPICENTER will lease the building from Mountain Christian Church under a 10-year agreement with renewal options. The existing structure spans approximately 12,000 square feet, with plans for future expansions. Construction is expected to be completed by December 31, 2024.
The financial strategy includes a $100,000 legislative bond request, combined with various private pledges, grants, and county funding, as detailed in the State of Maryland filing. This diversified funding approach aims to ensure the project’s long-term sustainability.
A Building with Historical Significance
The Harford Road building has a rich local history, originally opening as the Colony Theatre in the 1940s. It later served as the home of VFW Parkville Post 9083 until its sale in 2022, a decision made due to declining membership, as reported by the Baltimore Business Journal and WBALTV. The redevelopment of this site is seen as a crucial step in revitalizing the community by repurposing a historically significant location.
Community Involvement and Next Steps
Organizers from the EPICENTER and Mountain Christian Church are actively soliciting community input throughout the planning process. They plan to provide regular updates and volunteer opportunities on their websites. The EPICENTER has created a dedicated Parkville page that features a survey to gather feedback, while Mountain Christian Church has introduced a “Parkville Promise” giving initiative to encourage local support.
Community members interested in learning more about the project or sharing their priorities are encouraged to visit the EPICENTER and Mountain Christian Church websites for further information. This redevelopment is poised to not only create a new hub of activity but also foster a sense of community and support in Parkville.
