On the final Friday of every month, Live Baltimore heads out of the office and into one of Baltimore’s 277 neighborhoods. Each month, we love what we find! January was no different.

January’s Final Friday walking tour took us to Barclay—where friendly residents look fondly to the future as their neighborhood undergoes one of the most significant redevelopment transitions in the city’s recent history. Conveniently located between Penn Station and Johns Hopkins University, Barclay boasts rich architectural details, ample gardening and green space, and a welcoming community.

Our morning started at the North Barclay Green development’s Community Center, a hub in the neighborhood that offers kids’ programming, employment assistance, game nights, and social clubs. We heard from new and long-time residents about why Barclay’s collaborative culture and desire to make life better for all means so much. There is even an annual neighborhood potluck!

From there, we set out on a walking tour, eager to experience the area. The neighborhood’s large-scale development projects, including the $85 million development of vacant lots and row houses by the Telesis Corporation, reveal an area bustling with activity and brimming with beautifully renovated homes. Neighbors stuck their heads out of doors to say hello and welcome us as we explored ongoing renovations, street-side gardens, and future parks. We even got the chance to tour our colleague Carrie’s lovely new Barclay home!

We walked through the spacious Calvert Street Park, past vibrant, painted row homes and over bike lanes to arrive at North Ave, home to the City Schools Headquarters. The headquarters and Ebenezer Baptist Church serve as two long-time anchors to the neighborhood.

While the day may have been wet and dreary, we left feeling inspired by such a beautiful, welcoming neighborhood. Progress is a passion in Barclay, and we’re excited to see what’s next.

See original article here.