Baltimore County helps businesses improve their facades as part of contract with M&D

“These projects can be a catalyst of change for a whole block,” says Amy Trexler Mantay, Chief, Community Planning Baltimore County. “A small business might struggle to do this on their own, but together, we can help them move things in a positive direction.”

Rosmery Perez remembers walking through her new business location in Baltimore and filling with pride.

After 12 years of hard work, she moved her salon, Dominican Beauty Center, to North Hilton Street in the city. The interior was all newly remodeled, with a statement wall featuring tile that looks like marble, and new, hardwood floors throughout.

It was a space she was proud to own – at least from the inside. From the outside, it was more of an eyesore. She wanted to update some of the brick exterior and add more modern signage.

But bringing that vision to life, she said, felt daunting.

“It’s been such a challenging year already,” she says. “I know I want the outside to look better, but I didn’t know the first steps to make.”

Fortunately, she found help.

Making plans

Thanks to a contract with Baltimore County, business owners like Perez can access Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects at no cost to create a scope of work to improve their business facades.

Through the Architects On Call Program, Murphy & Dittenhafer works with businesses who reach out to Baltimore County’s Community Planning Department.

When business owners are referred to M&D through the program, they receive up to 10 hours of free architectural design services to consider questions like: What can I do with my space? What improvements can be made? What would that kind of work cost?

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Another component of the program is that business owners can apply for a building improvement loan program at a zero percent interest rate. In the 35 years that Baltimore County has been offering the program, and the six-plus years it has been run out of the Community Planning Department, numerous businesses have taken advantage of the program.

“These projects can be a catalyst of change for a whole block,” says Amy Trexler Mantay, Chief, Community Planning Baltimore County. “A small business might struggle to do this on their own, but together, we can help them move things in a positive direction.”

Crafting a vision

A lot of the work involves helping business owners assess their needs, says Jonathan Taube, Architect with Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects. Some may need to update their exterior lighting, scale back their ideas on outdoor signage, or look at removing asbestos siding.

Because Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects are familiar with codes and planning guidelines, they can make recommendations that are realistic for the business owners but also unique to their specific needs.

“The important thing is to be flexible,” Taube says. “Everyone has different needs, and we can’t just roll out plans that are the same for each county or each business owner. We have to take the time to listen, to be knowledgeable about the County’s regulations, and be mindful of what the business owner needs. That’s what serves everyone best.”

For business owners like Perez, Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects also has been able to provide valuable connections, such as contractors who can help carry out the project.

Changing futures

M&D Architect Bryan Wright, who has met with several of the business owners and visited their locations, sees how repointing the brick, adding a fresh coat of paint, or putting up new signage could change the feel of an entire block.

“Some of these businesses are in areas where improved foot traffic would change their future,” he says. “The businesses can be a little worn, the neighborhoods are older, but these businesses are there and they’re trying to revive the block. That spirit is really inspiring to me, and I enjoy helping them work to bring that to life.”

For the County, it takes one coffee shop, one salon, or one restaurant to rewrite the story of that neighborhood.

“Our small commercial districts or main streets can be transformed by projects like this,” Mantay says. “It’s great to have a partner like Murphy & Dittenhafer who can help move that forward.”

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